Recognition and Mentorship as Contributors to Retention in Academia: A Case of Non-Teaching Staff of Universities in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The assessment of recognition and mentorship as determinants of retention among non-teaching staff of universities in Ogun state, Nigeria, is a worthwhile venture that cannot be overemphasized since organizations need to retain experienced and qualified staff to achieve their goals.

This study, therefore, investigated the influence of recognition and mentorship on the retention of non-teaching staff in universities in Ogun State, Nigeria. A descriptive research design was adopted. The population of the study comprised 218 non-teaching staff selected from two universities using random sampling techniques. Three self-developed instruments were used for data collection, namely: recognition, mentorship and retention questionnaires, which were subjected to pilot study with a reliability coefficient of 0.80. Data were analyzed with both descriptive (simple percentages) and inferential statistics (chi-square). The findings showed a significant relative contribution of employee recognition and mentorship on retention, while a significant combined contribution of recognition and mentorship on retention of non-teaching staff was recorded. This suggests that recognition and mentorship programs can serve as effective retention strategies for non-teaching staff in universities. The study highlights the importance of considering factors such as recognition and mentorship in retaining employees in organizations. Based on the above findings, it was recommended that there is a need for the universities' administrators to ensure that recognition packages are provided adequately for their staff members. This would engender feelings of satisfaction among them to ensure that they remain with the institution and give their best. Also, there should be formalized and on-going mentoring in universities so that non-teaching staff can experience career mobility.