₦airaland Forum

World Teachers’ Day: Oyebanji Extends Ekiti Teachers’ Retirement Age to 65 years

…Presents N46 Million cheques to Outstanding Teachers

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has approved the immediate extension of the retirement age of teachers in the state from 60 years to 65 years and service year raised from 35 to 40 years.

The Governor also rewarded outstanding teachers in the state with cash gifts totalling N46 million, approved upward review of Science Teachers and Head of Department allowances, as well as immediate payment of 2019 leave bonus areas to further motivate the teachers.

The Governor made this declaration on Sunday during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavalion, Ado Ekiti. No fewer than 5,000 teachers attended the colourful event which was turned into a carnival as teachers across different cadres adorned in Ankara uniform sang and danced in appreciation of the Governor’s teacher-friendly policies.


Governor Oyebanji, who thanked the teachers for their invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the state, described them as the foundation upon which the future of the state is built. He affirmed that the gesture was part of his administration’s efforts to motivate teachers, recognize their immense contribution to the development of education, and enhance their welfare in line with the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.


While explaining that the extension of the retirement age was in fulfilment of his promise to reposition the education sector and retain competent and experienced hands in the teaching profession, the Governor said a committee would be set up to oversee the elongation of the service year and ensure that only the agile individuals enjoy the privilege.

Governor Oyebanji further assured the Teachers that his administration would continue to prioritize their welfare and continue to create an enabling environment for effective teaching and learning.

The Governor also informed the gathering that he will be seeking a re-election for a second term and solicited for their continue support.

“Let me respond to the request by the TUC Chairman, I have been told now that 2019 leave bonus was paid yesterday and you will start receiving the alert by tomorrow.

“I have heard your yearnings with respect to the mandatory age for retirement and this has been approved as recommended but only for able and willing teachers. On the issue of science and head of departments’ allowances, I know that the Head of Service is doing the review of the allowances and I have instructed her to bring it by next week for approval”.

“My dear friends, this will be the only opportunity to meet in a group like this before the next governorship election. I therefore want to officially inform you that I will be seeking a re-election into the office of the Governor for a second term. I have been greatly encouraged by the overwhelming goodwill, enthusiasm and support that you have shown me. I want to assure you that, for you, it will always get better. I am resolutely committed to my pact with you and all Ekiti workers. I therefore solicit for your sustained support and prayers going forward. The Governor stated.

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Dr (Mrs) Olabimpe Aderiye expressed her gratitude to the Governor for his efforts at repositioning the education sector and ensure that the teachers’ welfare are taken care of.

The[b] Commissioner highlighted various efforts of the Governor at improving the general well-being of teachers in the state to include, release of over N1.6 billion as running grant to schools in the last three years, payment of over N6.2 billion as UBEC counterpart fund to ensure renovations of schools in the state, payment of over N1.5 billion for WAEC in the last years of the Governors administration as well as prompt payment exam fees for students, placement, BECE and SS2 exams among others.
[/b]

In their separate goodwill messages, the National President of ASUSS, Comrade Sola Adigun, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), represented by Mr Lateef Adesiyan, and Ekiti State NUT Chairman, Comrade Adedeji Egbeyemi, all commended Governor Oyebanji for his continue demonstration of love and passion for teachers and the teaching profession in the state.

They commended and appreciated the Governor for his significant achievements in the education sector which include,. Sustenance of free and compulsory education in the state, appointment of retired teachers as political office holders, massive renovation of schools across the state, approval of career progression of graduate teachers, upward review of gratuities paid to retired teachers, employment of 1500 primary school teachers and 2500 secondary school teachers, among others.


Also at the event were, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Secretary to the state Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, among others.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17W24t1C5X/

Is that a compensation or punishment to have to work longer before retirement?

Lolzzzz..


Is this a favour or approval of death sentence.

AngelGabbyShara:
World Teachers’ Day: Oyebanji Extends Ekiti Teachers’ Retirement Age to 65 years

…Presents N46 Million cheques to Outstanding Teachers

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17W24t1C5X/

How many teachers has he employed since he became governor, to ensure that they are not overworked in making basic education free for all the children in Pa Ajasin’s state

anonimi:
Ratio of public to private schools in Lagos State is one to 22 ― Commissioner
September 4, 2022

The Lagos State government has said the ratio of public to private schools at both primary and secondary school levels in the state is one to 22.

The state’s Commissioner for Education, Mrs Folasade Adefisayo, gave the revelation in her remark at the 2022 edition of the Total School Support Seminar Exhibition (TOSSE) held at Oregun in Ikeja between Thursday and Friday.

https://tribuneonlineng.com/ratio-of-public-to-private-schools-in-lagos-state-is-one-to-22-%E2%80%95-commissioner/

FCT Teacher’s Strike: The unfolding crisis that has kept Abuja’s children out of school for months

The industrial action is the third in a series since late 2024.

ByQosim SuleimanandZainab Adewale July 2, 2025 Reading Time: 4 mins read
For over three months, public primary school pupils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been out of the classroom due to a teachers’ strike.

The industrial action has seen multiple suspensions and resumptions and is the third since late 2024.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/north-central/804767-fct-teachers-strike-the-unfolding-crisis-that-has-kept-abujas-children-out-of-school-for-months.html?tztc=1

Have u have paid the gratuities of the retired ones and there monthly pension and arrears up to date....if not, u lack vision

So after retiring at 65, they will use their remaining years to fight for their pension, Government should work on a way to fasten their pension rather than extending service year.
During my NYSC days i saw my chemistry teacher at one pension office at ilupeju, the woman was already old, yet still struggling to get her pension.

This is good! Teachers with more life experience are always better!

So..what this means is that more young people looking for teaching jobs would have to wait for the elders to get additional 5 years before they can stand a chance..

Isn't that a misplaced priority?!!

Extending their retirement is not what should have been done. The two major things that should be improved on instead is increasing their monthly pay while in service and also when they all eventually retire, give them all a proper reward and above all, ensure that their pensions is paid as at when due. When you do all of these, I believe you've treated the teachers well.

I don't see the relevance of this extension to the educational development of the state, other than keeping aged, weak, and low productive teachers in service for an extra 5 years.

Working at 65? What's the life expectancy here in Nigeria? Writing lesson notes and screaming at pupils in class at that age? I am sure the teachers know that is not the life they deserve, and that this is just about appearances and the close elections.
Approving the payment of leave bonus due 2019 when 2025 is almost done is sure a thing to applaud, that is how a good working governor moves 😂.
Many of these people die before gratuities are paid, suffer for pension, the ones who get their gratuities fast actually have to make some deals, agree to part with a certain percentage before the "approval" is worked on, Nigerians are definitely not ready yet, how many of these teachers can afford to eat a balanced diet three times a day 😂 after years of super active service.

is it not better too pay them big wages and retiry on time than to punish them with poor salary till old aga

Prolonging retirement is not a viable solution, as many senior educators are reluctant to abandon their traditional teaching methods in favor of modern approaches, due to a lack of exposure to lifelong learning. Furthermore, the work environment is regrettably inadequate and uninspiring. It is imperative to implement a thorough evaluation process to identify those capable of adapting to new methodologies and to offer severance to those who cannot, while welcoming individuals eager to embrace innovative practices. Some educators still rely on handwritten lessons and lack access to laptops for projecting lessons or utilizing Notebook AI tools. Any teacher in any institution who is unfamiliar with these tools and unwilling to learn should be considered for dismissal.

nothingspoil70:
Is that a compensation or punishment to have to work longer before retirement?

I think the correct mode of compensation is to reduce the working years and increase their salary. Now, the teachers will have to work more for less.