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.

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, CON, has approved the release of ₦2.321 billion for the payment of pension entitlements, gratuities, and death benefits to retirees and families of deceased civil servants across the state.

The new disbursement covers Accrued Rights under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and Gratuity/Death Benefits under the old Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS). With this latest payment, Kaduna State has now disbursed ₦6.678 billion in 2025 and a total of ₦13.5 billion within the last two years of the current administration.

According to the Kaduna State Commissioner of Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, the welfare of pensioners remains a top priority for the state government. He noted that the consistent payment of entitlements was designed to cushion the economic hardship faced by senior citizens. “The welfare of pensioners will continue to be treated as a priority. Regular and timely payments are necessary to ease the hardship of our senior citizens,” Maiyaki said.

The Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Pension Bureau, Ibrahim Balarabe, explained that the new payment batch would benefit 661 retirees and families across both state and local government levels. He said ₦1.736 billion has been set aside for Accrued Rights of 511 retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, while ₦585 million will cover gratuities and death benefits for 315 pensioners and next-of-kin under the Defined Benefit Scheme.

He further clarified that those under the CPS will have their Accrued Rights credited directly into their Retirement Savings Accounts with their respective Pension Fund Administrators. Pensioners under the DBS, he added, would soon be invited for screening and verification before receiving their payments.

Governor Uba Sani emphasized that ensuring dignity for retirees is both a statutory duty and a moral responsibility of government. The statement added that this approval reaffirms the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods of pensioners, protecting their rights, and strengthening the trust of the Kaduna workforce.

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has received the Golden Award of Excellence for Education and Teacher Friendliness from the National Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). The honour was presented on Sunday during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle Square in Abuja. The recognition celebrates his administration’s major reforms in the education sector and its strong commitment to teachers’ welfare.

Governor Radda, while receiving the award, said his government had devoted more than 25 percent of the state’s budget in the past two years to education. He described this as an unprecedented commitment that underscores his administration’s focus on improving the learning system and empowering teachers across Katsina State.

“We have conducted a major recruitment exercise that was never done in this country, recruiting over 7,000 teachers at once. We are now introducing rural incentives for our rural teachers to encourage them and give them the most needed attention for the development of our nation,” the Governor stated.

He further stressed that investing in education means investing in the future, adding that teachers play a central role in building both the state and the nation. “We commend you, we encourage you, and we will try to do everything we are able to do to make your lives better,” he told the large gathering of teachers who attended the event.

Governor Radda dedicated the award to all teachers in Katsina State and expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Union of Teachers for their consistent collaboration and support. “On behalf of our government, our colleagues and all the students of our state, we thank the union, we thank the Nigerian teachers, and we wish you well,” he added.

The 2025 World Teachers’ Day, themed “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,” brought together education stakeholders from different parts of the country. The event was organized to celebrate the contributions of teachers to national development and to encourage ongoing partnerships that strengthen the education system.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, noted that collaborative teaching has gained global recognition as a powerful approach to improving learning outcomes. He highlighted that this method helps teachers share knowledge and experiences that enhance classroom performance.

The Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to strengthening teacher collaboration. She mentioned key initiatives such as the National Teacher Development Policy (2022), the Digital Literacy and Skills Framework, and the creation of Professional Learning Communities in schools.

President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for maintaining the President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Award. He also appreciated governors who have supported teachers and actively participated in the observance of World Teachers’ Day.

Comrade Amba called on education stakeholders and citizens to continue honouring teachers for their vital contributions to shaping the nation’s future and positively influencing society.

Other award recipients included Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education, representatives of UNESCO, and the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) also delivered goodwill messages during the ceremony.

Governor Radda’s administration has introduced comprehensive education reforms in Katsina State, including large-scale teacher recruitment, infrastructure development, professional training programmes, rural teacher incentives, and a significant increase in budgetary allocation to the education sector. These policies have positioned the state as one of the most proactive in prioritizing education and teacher welfare in Nigeria.

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.