The attraction and employment of highly experienced and competent lecturers for education delivery in higher institutions has been a global concern. It is as a result that this study examined lecturers’ retention as a determinant of goal attainment in South-West Nigerian private colleges of education. The research design used in the study was descriptive. 763 lecturers and all of the heads of primary and post-primary schools in South-West Nigeria made up the study's population. Three states were chosen from the zone, which included Lagos, Oyo, and Osun States, using the purposive sampling technique. Additionally, 10 of the 25 private colleges of education in the sampled states were chosen using purposive sampling technique. The colleges were chosen to supply crucial information required because they were founded before 2021. 220 primary and post-primary school heads and 30 management staff members were chosen using purposive sampling technique. The Data for this study were gathered using Goal Achievement Questionnaire and Lecturers’ Retention Questionnaire, at .05 level of significance, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Statistics was used to test the study's hypotheses. The R-values of 0.87 and 0.90 are for good work life balance and good remuneration respectively. While, the p-values of 0.00 and 0.02 are also for good work life balance and good remuneration respectively. The findings revealed that lecturers’ retention level is moderate and there is a significant relationship between lecturers’ retention and goal achievement in private colleges of education. The study recommended attractive salary and compensation packages for lecturers of private colleges of education.