Ekiti Governor Oyebanji Considers 65-Year Retirement Age for Teachers, Promises Better Welfare

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has assured teachers of improved welfare packages, including the possible extension of their retirement age to 65 years, an upward review of science teachers’ allowances, and plans to clear outstanding gratuities before the end of his first tenure.

The governor made the pledge on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti while receiving the new leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ekiti State Chapter, led by Chairman Comrade Lawrence Egbeyemi, alongside the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Kolapo Olusola.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, Oyebanji praised teachers for their central role in advancing the state’s human capital development agenda, stressing that their welfare directly impacts the quality of education delivered to students.

“The era of looking down on teachers as second-class citizens is over,” Oyebanji declared. “Education is the most important investment we can make in our children, and teachers are at the heart of that process. If you are happy, you will build a future for us, because the children are the future of any society.”

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritizing teachers’ well-being, providing professional development opportunities, and creating an enabling environment to make teaching more rewarding.

NUT Chairman Comrade Egbeyemi commended the governor for his unwavering support, describing him as a leader who has placed teachers’ welfare at the core of governance. He highlighted gains under the current administration, including prompt salary payments, career progression to grade level 16, the recruitment of over 2,000 new teachers, and recognition of teachers’ contributions.

The meeting reinforced the state government’s determination to consolidate Ekiti’s status as a leading state in education, with Oyebanji promising to “leave no stone unturned” in achieving this vision.