The Staff Training and Development Unit of the University of Lagos (ST&DU, UNILAG), on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, commenced a two-day pre-retirement training programme for non-teaching members of staff scheduled to retire between June 2026 and January 2028.
The programme, themed “Retirement Reimagined: Thriving Beyond Service“, was designed to prepare participants for life after active service by equipping them with the emotional, social, financial, and lifestyle tools required for a fulfilling and purposeful retirement.
The opening day featured sessions on lifestyle adjustment in retirement, orientation for transition into a new phase of life, and financial planning for retirement. Participants were also exposed to a video presentation on prudent financial management and post-service preparedness.
One of the lead facilitators, Professor Oluwayemisi Obashoro-John of the Department of Adult Education, Faculty of Education, University of Lagos, spoke extensively on managing identity shifts as staff members prepare to exit active service.
She stressed that retirement should not be viewed as a period of decline, but rather as an opportunity for renewal, reinvention, and purposeful living. According to her, “Retirement is freedom into freedom, so free yourself. Walk into the next chapter of life in confidence, joy, and grace.”
Professor Obashoro-John, whose areas of expertise include ageing issues, language studies, and programme evaluation, also emphasized the importance of effective time management in retirement. She urged participants to cultivate healthy routines, maintain a balance between leisure and productivity, and establish clear priorities for their new phase of life.
Speaking further on adapting to change, she encouraged participants to embrace age-related transitions with resilience, remain open to learning new technologies, and demonstrate flexibility in navigating life after service.
In her presentation, Dr. Rita Nwalupua of the Centre for Management Development (CMD), Magodo, highlighted the importance of identifying personal interests and passions as a means of remaining emotionally grounded and purpose-driven in retirement. Dr. Nwalupua’s session focused on interest mapping and self-discovery.
Participants were equally exposed to practical financial strategies, including assessing current financial realities, setting realistic retirement goals, investing wisely, planning for healthcare costs, reviewing financial plans regularly, and seeking professional financial advice where necessary.
The financial planning session, which also featured a video presentation, was facilitated by an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Lagos Business School (ULBS), Dr. Femi Aladejobi.
Earlier in his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, represented by the Director of the Quality Assurance and SERVICOM Unit, Professor Olufemi Saibu, underscored the importance of intentional retirement planning and a disciplined savings culture.
He commended the dedication and selfless service of the retiring staff towards the growth and development of the University over the years and encouraged them to approach retirement not with anxiety, but with optimism and preparedness.
He further noted that retirement presents an opportunity to rediscover purpose, strengthen family and community ties, and pursue long-held aspirations beyond the workplace.
In his goodwill remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Foluso Ebun Afolabi Lesi, offered words of encouragement to the retirees-in-waiting and urged them to embrace the next phase of their lives with positivity and confidence.
The second day of the programme is expected to feature sessions on topics such as home and family relationships in post-retirement life, health management strategies, and other critical issues aimed at ensuring a smooth, healthy, and rewarding transition into retirement.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Islamiat Oyebamire-Akanni
