In an inspiring announcement, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has unveiled his administration’s visionary plans to extend the service years of teachers in the state.
The governor has taken a significant step towards making this a reality by submitting the Harmonised Retirement Age Bill for the extension of retirement age for teachers to the Edo House of Assembly (EDHA).
The governor made this exciting revelation during his address at the prestigious 2023 Teachers’ Day ceremony. The event, held at the landmark Conference Hall of Teachers House in Siluko Road, Benin City, was a testament to the government’s dedication to the empowerment and recognition of educators.
Under the proposed bill, the service years of teachers in Edo State will be harmonized, allowing for an extension from 30 to 35 years. In addition, the retirement age will increase from 60 to 65 years, ensuring that experienced and dedicated teachers can continue making a positive impact on young minds for longer.
Governor Obaseki emphasized that once the bill is passed into law by the House, his administration will waste no time in implementing this progressive measure. He reassured the teachers, saying, “As per release of approval letters for a harmonized retirement age for teachers, I don’t see why you should worry. I will not say something that I will not do.”
“This is an issue of law. I have sent a bill to the House of Assembly to pass it into law and domesticate it and as soon as I get it from the House of Assembly, I will begin to implement it.”
The governor commended the teachers for their commitment to the education sector of the state and implementing the policies of the administration with due diligence, with special reference to the EdoBest policy, which he said has been hugely successful and acclaimed globally.