Abstract

This study discussed the challenges of implementing the contributory pension scheme in public universities in Nigeria. The rationale, objectives, and features of the contributory pension reform act of 2014 (amended) were discussed. Secondary sources of data were used for the discussion and the views of other scholars as it concerns the implantation of the contributory pension scheme. The identified challenges includes: non-compliance by many state governments thus state owned universities; non remittance by government; inability of retired employees to access their pension benefits; unique engagement arrangements of Nigeria universities; inability of employees to open and own a retirement savings account (RSA); perception of employees to the scheme; contributing ratio by government and employees; different pension scheme and uncertainties of the old defined benefits scheme in some universities; inability of government to fund the guaranteed minimum pension (GMP); inadequate induction and orientation programme at the point of engagement. It was however recommended among others that state governments should appreciate the benefits of the contributing pension scheme and enact laws that will ensure its implementation in all state owned institutions including the universities.

Key words: Employees, public universities and contributory pension scheme.