Robed but Robbed: Educational Attainment and Psychological Empowerment as Predictors of Job Satisfaction among Anglican Clergy in Ibadan, Nigeria

Ordained clergy "robed" with theological education, ecclesiastical authority, and the sacred responsibility of spiritual leadership yet feel "robbed" of the recognition, fulfilment, and organisational support necessary for sustained ministerial satisfaction. This paradox raises important questions about whether educational attainment and psychological empowerment are sufficient to enhance job satisfaction among clergy. Despite the academic emphasis placed on theological education and leadership development within the Anglican Church, evidence on their contribution to clergy job satisfaction remains inconclusive, particularly within the Nigerian context. This study investigated the predictive roles of educational attainment and psychological empowerment among ordained men in ministry across three Anglican dioceses in Ibadan, Nigeria. Using a descriptive correlational survey design, data were collected from 138 clergy selected through stratified random sampling. Spreitzer's Psychological Empowerment Scale and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire were employed, while descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and multiple regression analyses were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that although the clergy possessed relatively high educational qualifications, they reported only moderate levels of psychological empowerment and job satisfaction. Furthermore, neither educational attainment nor psychological empowerment significantly predicted job satisfaction (p > .05). The study concludes that clergy job satisfaction is shaped by factors beyond education and empowerment, pointing to the influence of organisational and institutional dynamics. It recommends strengthening supportive leadership, recognition systems, and career development opportunities to enhance clergy well-being and ministerial fulfilment.