By Taiwo Adekunle, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the extension of teachers’ retirement age from 60 to 65 years and service years from 35 to 40, in a major boost to the state’s education sector.
The governor made the announcement on Sunday during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, where over 5,000 teachers gathered in colourful Ankara outfits to celebrate the occasion.
In addition to the new retirement policy, Governor Oyebanji presented cash rewards totalling ₦46 million to outstanding teachers, approved an upward review of Science Teachers and Heads of Department allowances, and ordered the immediate payment of outstanding 2019 leave bonuses.
Oyebanji described teachers as “the foundation upon which the future of Ekiti is built,” stressing that the new measures were designed to motivate them, recognize their contributions, and improve their welfare in line with his administration’s Shared Prosperity Agenda.
He noted that the extension of the retirement age fulfils his campaign promise to retain experienced and competent educators in service, while revealing that a special committee will be established to ensure that only qualified and capable teachers benefit from the policy.
The governor also assured teachers of continued prioritization of their welfare, saying, “I am resolutely committed to my pact with you and all Ekiti workers. For you, it will always get better.”
In a political note, Oyebanji informed the gathering that he would be seeking re-election for a second term, urging teachers to sustain their support and prayers.
Commissioner for Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Olabimpe Aderiye, in her remarks, commended the governor for repositioning the education sector, highlighting his achievements which include:
- Release of over ₦1.6 billion as running grants to schools in the last three years,
- Payment of ₦6.2 billion as UBEC counterpart fund for school renovations,
- Payment of ₦1.5 billion for WAEC fees, and
- Consistent funding of student examination fees across the state.
In their goodwill messages, the National President of ASUSS, Comrade Sola Adigun; NUT representative, Mr. Lateef Adesiyan; and Ekiti NUT Chairman, Comrade Adedeji Egbeyemi, lauded Governor Oyebanji’s continuous support for teachers and commitment to the development of education in the state.
They cited the governor’s notable interventions such as the employment of 4,000 new teachers, renovation of schools, and improved gratuity payments to retirees as evidence of his dedication to the teaching profession.
Also present at the event were Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the 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 Executive Council, and lawmakers.
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