Written By David Ugbabe
An Executive Bill seeking the extension of teachers’ retirement age from 60 to 65 years has been forwarded to the Senate by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The letter was read on the floor of the Senate at Wednesday’s plenary by the Senate President Ahmad Lawan who explained that the bill would harmonize the retirement age for teachers in Nigeria. Recall that in the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in January 2021 had approved increase the retirement age of teachers across the country from 60 to 65 years or 40 years in service as against 35 in the new Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers Bill, 2021.
According to Lawan, the move to increase the retirement age and service years for teachers is in pursuant to section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. He said, “Transmission of the harmonized retirement age for teachers in Nigeria bill 2021 to the National Assembly for consideration.
“The harmonised retirement age for teachers in Nigeria, 2021, seeks to increase the retirement age of teachers from 60 to 65 years and also increase the possible years of service from 35 to 40 years.
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“While appreciating your usual expeditious consideration of this submission, please accept, distinguished senate president, the assurances of my highest consideration,” he said.
The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, said the bill will give legal backing to the federal government’s plans to enhance the teaching profession in the country. “So, all the promises the president made and all the approvals that he has given me will now begin to put into effect because this is a legal backing that is required for it,” he had said.
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