Ado-Ekiti (Nigeria): Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has approved the immediate extension of the retirement age of teachers in the state from 60 years to 65 years and the service year from 35 to 40 years.
The governor also rewarded outstanding teachers in the state with cash gifts totalling N46 million.
Oyebanji approved an upward review of Science Teachers’ and Head of Department allowances, as well as the immediate payment of 2019 leave bonus arrears, to further motivate the teachers.
The governor made these declarations on Sunday at the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration, held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado Ekiti.
Oyebanji, who thanked the teachers for their invaluable contributions to the state’s growth and development, described them as the foundation upon which the state’s future is built.
He affirmed that the gesture is part of his administration’s efforts to motivate teachers, recognise their immense contributions to the development of education, and enhance their welfare in line with the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.
He explained that the extension of the retirement age is in fulfilment of his promise to reposition the education sector and retain competent and experienced hands in the teaching profession.
“A committee will be set up to oversee the elongation of the service year and ensure that only the agile individuals enjoy the privilege.”
Oyebanji further assured the teachers that his administration would continue to prioritise their welfare and create an enabling environment for effective teaching and learning.
The governor also informed the gathering that he would be seeking re-election and solicited their continued support.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye, expressed gratitude to the governor for his efforts at repositioning the education sector and ensuring that teachers’ welfare is taken care of.
The commissioner highlighted various efforts by the governor to improve the general well-being of teachers in the state, including the release of over N1.6 billion as a running grant to schools in the last three years, and the payment of over N6.2 billion as the UBEC counterpart fund to ensure the renovation of schools in the state.
“The governor also paid over N1.5 billion for WAEC in the last years of his administration, as well as prompt payment of exam fees for students, placement, BECE and SS2 exams, among others.”
In their separate goodwill messages, the National President of ASUSS, Mr Sola Adigun, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), represented by Mr Lateef Adesiyan, and the Ekiti State NUT Chairman, Mr Adedeji Egbeyemi, commended the governor for his continued demonstration of love and passion for teachers and the profession.
They also commended the governor for his significant achievements in the education sector, including the maintenance of free and compulsory education in the state, the appointment of retired teachers as political officeholders, and the extensive renovation of schools across the state.
They stated that the governor also approved the career progression of graduate teachers, an upward review of gratuities paid to retired teachers, the employment of 1,500 primary school teachers and 2,500 secondary school teachers, among other measures.
