Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has announced a significant change in the retirement age for teachers in public schools, setting it at 65 years with a corresponding service requirement of 40 years.
The governor emphasized the importance of adhering to approved guidelines for eligibility to enjoy the new retirement age and length of service.
In a circular issued by Mr. Ayanleye Aina, the Head of Service, the governor highlighted the necessity for strict compliance with the outlined guidelines.
These guidelines delineate specific criteria that teachers must meet to qualify for the extended retirement age.
According to the circular, individuals interested in benefiting from the extended retirement age must belong to the education cadre recognized in the Scheme of Service.
Additionally, they must be registered with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), medically fit as certified by a qualified medical practitioner, and free from any disciplinary actions.
Eligible officers are required to submit their applications six months before reaching the age of 60 or completing 35 years of service, whichever comes first.
These applications must be endorsed by the Head Teacher/Principal and addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, among other specifications.
It’s crucial to note that the extension period is not pensionable, as stated in the guidelines.
The circular directed the Ministry of Finance and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to halt immediately the payment of salaries to individuals currently benefiting from the new retirement age without fulfilling the necessary conditions.
The circular reiterates previous directives and emphasizes that individuals already enjoying the new retirement age and length of service without fulfilling the necessary prerequisites will cease to enjoy such benefits until compliance with the Circulars.
In conclusion, the circular stresses the need for strict adherence to the guidelines and calls on relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the government to ensure widespread circulation of the circular and strict compliance with its directives.
