Information needs and seeking behaviour of tertiary institutions’ retirees in Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the information needs and seeking behaviour of retirees in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. A close observation of many retirees in the Nigerian Society and the problems they are facing called for this paper. The study adopted a descriptive survey design approach and the questionnaire was administered on 300 retirees, samples were chosen based on years of experience, age, sex, marital status, and qualification. The stratified sampling technique was adopted in selection of the sample. Data was analysed with the aid of frequency count and percentages. Findings revealed that information needs of retirees ranged from housing to health, verification exercises, payment of pension/ gratuity/ and salary arrears among others, while colleagues (oral source) and community radio (electronic source) were the major sources of information. Delay in information dissemination was indicated as a main problem of obtaining information by the retirees. The study recommended and concluded that information must be available to retired workers in all formats purveyed through all communication channel and delivered at all levels of comprehension.