Niger State Approves 65-Year Retirement Age for State Teachers, Reinforces PTA.
By Yahaya Zakka, Minna
The Niger State government has enacted a law establishing a retirement age of 65 years for state teachers, effective January 1, 2026. This significant decision was announced by Governor Umaru Bago during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held in Minna, organized by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in collaboration with the Niger State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
In addition to the retirement age change for teachers, Governor Bago revealed that professors will now retire at the age of 70. This initiative aims to preserve and extend the invaluable knowledge and values teachers impart to students across generations.
Furthermore, the governor approved the conditional reinstatement of payment for Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) levies in schools, stipulating that these payments must be monitored by the Ministry of Education to ensure their effective use.
Governor Bago reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to supporting teachers’ welfare, announcing an award of N20,000 for all teachers in the state to be disbursed by next month.
He also pledged to provide an 18-seater bus to the Niger State NUT as part of efforts to enhance their operational capabilities.
Additionally, the governor indicated that the employment and promotion of primary school teachers will now be managed by the Local Government Service Commission. Meanwhile, the State Universal Basic Education Board will focus on screening and providing relevant information related to teacher employment.
In a further commitment to professional development, Governor Bago sanctioned a retreat for teachers advancing to level 17, acknowledging their crucial role in nation-building and pledging to safeguard their interests.
Comrade Adamu Mohammed Akayago, Chairman of the NUT Niger State Chapter, highlighted the importance of recognizing teachers as not just knowledge transmitters, but as architects of the future.
He emphasized that the welfare and professional dignity of teachers should remain a priority for all stakeholders, commending Governor Bago for his commitments, including the approval of an N80,000 minimum wage for state workers.
Hajiya Aishatu Nuhu Yalwa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education, reinforced the idea that the future of children relies heavily on teachers, who are key promoters of moral and educational values.
She reiterated the state government’s commitment to providing quality and inclusive education.
During the event, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the National Examinations Council (NECO), delivered a keynote address emphasizing the necessity of a unified national education strategy.
He characterized Nigeria’s young population as a significant national asset, urging collective action from all stakeholders to elevate and empower teachers.
In recognition of their contributions, Gov. Umaru Bago received an award for excellence in service delivery to the teaching profession. Other notable awardees included Senator Muhammad Sani Musa, the former Commissioner for Basic Education Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, and leaders from labor and education sectors.
The 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration was themed “Together for Teachers, Together for Tomorrow,” underscoring the crucial role teachers play in shaping the future of the nation.
