In the workplace, both the managers and the subordinates are confronted with job stressors, and if not properly handled, there will be a telling effect on productivity. Effiom et al. (2007) had asserted that the desire of every work organization is to ensure stability in terms of workers' satisfaction and productivity. Nigerian Universities are no exceptions to this assertion. From available literature, it has been indicated that job stressors are related to strains and mental and physical ill-health among employees. This could be due to resentment and frustration in the workplace. Academic staff in universities are not only to engage in research but to use their research findings to improve teaching and their specialized skills to solve societal problems through community service (Obanya, 2002). So, in carrying out this triple mandate, academic staff may be exposed to stressful work conditions if not properly handled. The problem of this study was to find out the general level of externally induced stress among academic staff and whether there is a difference in such a level between those in federal and state universities. In respect of perception of role in the university, career development and university structure and climate, the academic staff of the state university perceived all as higher sources of stress than their counterparts in the federal university. This could be explained in part because of gross under-funding of most state-owned universities in Nigeria, and on the other hand, managements of state-owned universities have not come to terms with handling limited funds in most effective ways. (Contains 2 tables.)