THE NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY
ISSN: 0331-4111 e-ISSN: 2736-075X
Volume 24, No. 2, November 2026
Pages 169-181
DOI: 10.36108/NJSA/6202.42.0201
Retirement Perception and Preparedness among Faculty and Non-Teaching Employees of Selected Private Tertiary Institutions in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
Starris-onyema Promise Nkwachi1, Babangida I Pauline2, Adebola Jomiloju3, Okunuga Darasimi4, Owolabi Darasimi5, Oghenetejiri Kragha6, Olympio Naomi7, Shiloh Foh8 and Kennedy Onyenma9
1-8 Department of Sociology, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
9 Secretariate, Local Government Pensions Board, Umuahia, Abia State
Abstract
Generally, evidence among retirees, especially those from the private sector suggests that pension provisioning has not adequately secured the aged during post-retirement phase, yet little qualitative evidence exists on how employees of private tertiary institutions understand and plan for retirement, especially in Nigeria. This explorative study hinged on the theory of planned behaviour and continuity theory qualitatively explored perceptions of retirement and planning among employees of private tertiary institutions in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, of Ogun State, Nigeria. Data was collected using in-depth interviews from twenty-four (24) respondents in two purposively selected private tertiary institutions and the analysis was done following Braun and Clarke’s six phase thematic analysis. The qualitative interviews explored employees’ understandings of retirement, household obligations, social networks, workplace welfare, and perceived financial security and their level of preparedness for the retirement phase. Result showed that employees of private tertiary institutions are faced with financial and social pressures that intersect with institutional resource limitations, disparities in employment conditions, and variations in access to pension information and pre-retirement support. This study proposes the upgrade of institutional social security and support systems and individual retirement counselling among academic and non-teaching staff towards a policy action. The findings may serve as a guide to other private institutions in Ota, Nigeria and Africa generally.
Keywords: Private tertiary institution, Retirement perception, Retirement planning