Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the immediate extension of the retirement age of teachers in the state from 60 to 65 years, while the service year has been raised from 35 to 40 years.
The Governor also rewarded outstanding teachers in the state with cash gifts amounting to N46 million and approved the upward review of science teachers’ and heads of department allowances. He further directed the immediate payment of the 2019 leave bonus arrears to motivate teachers and enhance their welfare.
Governor Oyebanji made these announcements on Sunday during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado Ekiti. The event, which was attended by over 5,000 teachers from across the state, was filled with songs, dance, and appreciation from teachers who celebrated the Governor’s teacher-friendly policies.
In his address, the Governor described teachers as the “foundation upon which the future of the state is built” and commended their contributions to education and development. He said the decision to extend the retirement age was part of his administration’s commitment to repositioning the education sector and retaining competent, experienced professionals in the system.
According to him, “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.”
Governor Oyebanji explained that a committee would be set up to oversee the extension process and ensure that only active and capable teachers benefit from the new policy. He added that the move aligns with his administration’s shared prosperity agenda, aimed at ensuring better living conditions and professional satisfaction for workers in the education sector.
He assured that his government would continue to prioritize teachers’ welfare, create an enabling environment for teaching and learning, and strengthen educational institutions across Ekiti State.
While addressing the crowd, the Governor also revealed plans to seek re-election, stating that his administration’s achievements and the continued support of the people would drive him to run for a second term.
He said, “Let me respond to the request by the TUC Chairman. I have been told now that the 2019 leave bonus was paid yesterday and you will start receiving the alert by tomorrow. 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,” Oyebanji stated.
The Governor emphasized that the decisions taken were not only to reward dedication but also to strengthen the education system in Ekiti State, making it more competitive and efficient.
Earlier in her address, the Commissioner for Education, Dr (Mrs) Olabimpe Aderiye, expressed her appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for his continued efforts in improving the education sector and ensuring teachers’ welfare. She praised the Governor for policies that had positively impacted teachers and students across the state.
The Commissioner highlighted several initiatives of the Oyebanji-led administration, including the release of over N1.6 billion as running grants to schools in the last three years, payment of more than N6.2 billion as Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) counterpart funding for the renovation of schools, and payment of over N1.5 billion for WAEC fees during the Governor’s tenure. She also mentioned the prompt payment of exam fees for placement, BECE, and SS2 students, noting that these actions demonstrated the administration’s commitment to quality education.
In separate goodwill messages, the National President of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Comrade Sola Adigun; the representative of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Mr Lateef Adesiyan; and the Ekiti State NUT Chairman, Comrade Adedeji Egbeyemi, all commended Governor Oyebanji for his unwavering support for teachers and the education sector.
They acknowledged his achievements, which include the sustenance of free and compulsory education in the state, appointment of retired teachers into political offices, massive renovation of schools, approval of career progression for graduate teachers, upward review of gratuities for retired educators, and employment of 1,500 primary and 2,500 secondary school teachers.
Comrade Adigun described the Governor as “a true friend of teachers whose leadership has brought renewed confidence to the profession,” while Adesiyan urged the teachers to continue supporting the Governor’s vision for education.
The event also featured cultural displays, songs, and award presentations to teachers recognized for their dedication and excellence. The Governor personally handed out cash prizes to the outstanding teachers, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to promoting hard work and rewarding excellence.
The 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration was attended by top government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; the Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi; the Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo; members of the State Executive Council; and several lawmakers.
The Governor’s announcement on extending the retirement age and service years of teachers is expected to have a significant impact on human capital development in the state. Many education stakeholders believe the policy will help retain experienced teachers, strengthen classroom delivery, and improve the overall performance of students in Ekiti schools.
With the new policy, the state government hopes to build a stronger education workforce capable of driving growth and supporting innovation within the system. Analysts have described the move as a strategic step toward reducing the shortage of qualified teachers and improving the quality of education in Ekiti State.
Governor Oyebanji’s actions during the Teachers’ Day celebration have been widely received as a major boost to the morale of teachers and a demonstration of the government’s dedication to quality education, job stability, and welfare improvement across the state.