Rivers State Governor, Simi Fubara, has approved the extension of the retirement age and service years for teachers in the state. Teachers will now retire at the age of 65, up from the previous 60 years, or after 40 years of service, up from 35, whichever comes first.
This decision was made during the State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday.
Governor Fubara emphasized the sacrifices made by teachers in shaping the future of Rivers State through education, stating, “We truly cherish the commitment of our teachers in shaping the future of our State through the education of our children.”
The governor added that teachers certified by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) will benefit from this extension as part of the domestication of the national law in Rivers State.
In addition to the extension of service years, the governor announced an increase in the state’s monthly pension fund, from N1 billion to N2 billion, to cater to pensions and gratuities. This adjustment is aimed at improving the welfare of retired teachers and other civil servants in the state.
Furthermore, the State Executive Council also approved the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), which will guide the preparation of the 2025 budget.
These developments have been welcomed as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to improve the education sector and ensure the well-being of its workforce. The extension of service years and increased pension funding signal the government’s recognition of the crucial role educators play in the state’s development.