Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has announced that the State House of Assembly has passed a new law setting the retirement age for teachers in the state at 65 years, effective from January 1, 2026. The governor made this known during the 2025 World Teachers Day celebration held in Minna, organised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Niger State Chapter, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
Bago, who is also a farmer, stated that the retirement age for professors in the state has now been set at 70 years. According to him, this decision is to ensure that “the values of teachers continue to be transferred on to generations to come.”
The governor also approved the return of payment of PTA levies in schools, but with strict supervision from the Ministry of Education to ensure accountability and proper use of funds. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to teachers’ welfare and announced a wage award of N20,000 for all teachers in the state, starting next month. In addition, he donated an 18-seater bus to the NUT Niger State Chapter.
Governor Bago further directed that employment and promotion of primary school teachers will now fall under the Local Government Service Commission, while the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) will only handle screening and provide related information.
He used the event to approve a retreat for teachers advancing to level 17 and appreciated teachers for their contribution to nation-building. “We will continue to protect the interest of teachers and remove them from the bureaucracy of the civil service to give them a standard service,” he said.
The Chairman of NUT Niger State, Comrade Adamu Mohammed Akayago, in his remarks, described the theme of this year’s celebration as a reminder that teachers are “not merely transmitters of knowledge but architects of collective future.” He stressed that the welfare, dignity, and professional status of teachers must remain a top priority for all stakeholders.
Akayago commended Governor Umaru Bago for what he called his “revolutionary disposition” towards transforming Niger State, noting that teachers remain grateful for the approval of an N80,000 minimum wage for workers. However, he also called for the government’s quick intervention in addressing some lingering challenges affecting teachers in the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education, Hajiya Aishatu Nuhu Yalwa, said the event serves as a reminder that “the future of the children lies with the teachers who are promoters of values.” She reiterated that the administration of Governor Bago remains committed to providing access to quality and inclusive education across the state.
Delivering the keynote address titled “Together for teachers, together for tomorrow: The imperative for a unified national education strategy,” the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the National Examinations Council (NECO), Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, described Nigeria as “one of the youngest and fastest-growing populations globally.”
According to him, the future of the country depends on collective efforts by all stakeholders to elevate and empower teachers. He described teachers as “strategic national security assets and key drivers in the formation of civic responsibility.” Wushishi added that NECO will continue to use its data to guide improvements in teaching and learning outcomes nationwide.
Other notable speakers at the event included the Executive Chairman of Niger State Universal Basic Education Board, Mohammed Baba Ibrahim; the Director General of School Reforms, Maimuna Mohammed; the State Coordinator of Teachers Registration Council, Usman Muhammad Sani; and the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Idris Lafene. They all acknowledged the vital role of teachers in shaping the nation’s future.
During the celebration, Governor Umaru Bago received an Award of Excellence for his service delivery and commitment to the teaching profession. Others honoured at the event included Senator Muhammad Sani Musa representing Niger East Senatorial District, the immediate past Commissioner for Basic Education, Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, NLC Chairman Comrade Idris Lafene, TUC Chairman Niger State, and Thinklab Company.
The 2025 World Teachers Day celebration in Niger State had as its theme, “Together for teachers, together for tomorrow,” reflecting a call for unity, collaboration, and renewed commitment towards advancing education and the teaching profession in Nigeria.