The Oyo State Government has firmly rejected proposals to increase the retirement age for teachers and civil servants from 60 to 65 years, asserting that such a policy would restrict employment opportunities for the state’s growing number of young graduates.
The Federal Government of Nigeria had earlier approved an extension of retirement age for clinically skilled health workers, citing the need to retain experienced professionals in order to strengthen healthcare delivery and boost training capacity. Following this decision, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) urged that the policy be extended across all sectors of the public service.
Some states have already begun to take action in that direction. Notably, the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, recently approved a five-year extension for teachers, increasing both the retirement age to 65 years and the maximum service period to 40 years. Similarly, Niger State has announced its intention to implement the new policy from 1 January 2026.
However, Oyo State has opted for a different course. Speaking at the Second Multidisciplinary International Conference of the Postgraduate College, Lead City University, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Segun Olayiwola, disclosed that the State Executive Council had extensively deliberated on the matter and ultimately resolved not to adopt the extension.
“We discussed this issue at five different executive meetings,” Olayiwola said. “The initial focus was on teachers, but as discussions progressed, other civil servants also demanded inclusion. Eventually, we agreed that raising the retirement age would deny younger people employment opportunities.”
He added that while such a policy might be workable in states with smaller populations and fewer graduates, like Niger State, the dynamics in Oyo were markedly different.
“In a state like ours, if those due to retire this year stayed on for an additional five years, the 15,000 teachers we recently recruited might never have had that opportunity,” he explained.
Olayiwola reaffirmed that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration remained committed to youth empowerment, employment creation, and economic inclusion, rather than prolonging the tenure of those already in service.
“The priority of this government is clear — we are investing in the future by creating space and opportunity for the next generation,” he concluded.
The decision underscores the delicate balancing act between preserving institutional experience within the civil service and addressing the high rate of youth unemployment in Nigeria. As other states adopt varying strategies, Oyo’s stand may spark further debate on the long-term sustainability and equity of public sector reforms across the country.
