By Patrick Obia And Mary Bassey
Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade has approved the harmonization retirement age of teachers in the State public service from 35 to 40 years.
Governor Ayade’s approval is coming as the Federal Government of Nigeria increased the attainment of sixty-five (65) age or forty (40) years of service of teachers in the country.
In a circular signed and directed to the speaker of the State House of Assembly, commissioners, director-generals, chief of staff to the governor, heads of ministries, accountant and auditor generals, and chief judge of the State among others, the Head of Service of the State Timothy Akwaji noted that the gesture is in line with the provision of the Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act, 2022.
The Head of Service said the approval is with effect from May 1, 2023.
It reads in part: “In line with the provision of the Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act, 2022, His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, has approved the harmonization of retirement age for Teachers in the State Public Service with effect from May 1, 2023.
“Henceforth, Teachers in Primary and Post Primary Schools in Cross River State shall retire on the attainment of sixty-five (65) of age or forty (40) years of service, whichever comes first.
“For the avoidance of doubt, non-teaching staff in the State Primary and Post Primary Schools and Educational Boards shall continue to retire at Sixty (60) years of age or thirty-five (35) years of service, whichever comes earlier, while the harmonized retirement age is for the benefit of Teachers only.
“It should be noted that this policy does not have retrospective effect. Teachers who have retired before the effective date of this Circular are not affected by its contents.
“Heads of Boards, Educational Institutions are please enjoined to bring the contents of this Circular to affected staff, for information and strict compliance.”