Contributory Pension Scheme and Performance of Employee of Unity Schools in South East Nigeria (2005-2019)

Abstract

This paper critically examines the implementation of the contributory pension scheme in Unity Schools in the south east of Nigeria. The specific objectives were: to determine the extent of implementation of the contributory pension scheme; how it has helped in motivating staff and the challenges confronting the implementation of the scheme in Unity Schools in the South East. Population of the study was 1,091 based on the nominal rolls of the five schools in Enugu and Anambra States. The Sample Size of 293 was determined using the Taro Yamane’s statistical formula of 1964. Three hypotheses were formulated and tested using t-test statistics. Findings of the study revealed that: Contributory Pension Scheme has been fully implemented in Unity Schools; Contributory Pension Scheme has no significant effect on the motivation of workers for efficiency in the discharge of their duties and that Federal Government inconsistency in prompt remittance of its share of the contributions and it’s borrowing from the fund for infrastructural development among others constitute challenges to the implementation of the scheme. Based on the findings, the study recommended that: the Pension Reform Act be further amended to include the payment of gratuity; increase employers contributions from ten percent (10%) to fifteen percent (l5%), and the removal of the 16years limit on pension. The Contributory Pension Scheme is a welcome idea which when properly implemented will eradicate the pensioners’ harsh lives thereby making their dream a reality.