Assessment of Knowledge Retention Practices in Aging Workforce in Higher Education Institutions Case Study; University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

This study investigated the extent of knowledge retention (KR) practices among the aging workforce at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. The following objectives were given prominence in this study: To determine the current state of KR practices at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; To identify key knowledge areas at risk of being lost due to the retirement of senior faculty members and staff at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; To identify the various ways of retaining knowledge at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; To propose a structured KR framework for the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; To suggest policy options that would improve KR practices in HEIs in Nigeria. A mixed-method survey research design approach was adopted for this study using semi-structured interviews to elicit responses from academic and administrative staff in the surveyed institution. A total of 30 staff served as the sample size of this study using purposive sampling technique, while stratified sampling was used in selecting the respondents from seven faculties comprising of Deans, Sub-Deans, Heads of Departments, Faculty Officers, and HR personnel respectively. Findings revealed a high reliance on informal KR practices, such as casual mentoring, with a notable absence of formalized policies and structured frameworks. Also critical knowledge areas at risk were identified such as teaching expertise, administrative processes, and mentoring relationships, which may threaten academic quality, operational efficiency, and professional development in the nearest future. The study concludes that the informal KR practices in the University of Ilorin are inadequate to prevent significant knowledge loss thereby underscoring the need for a formalized policy and structured framework to ensure knowledge continuity.