Extend teachers’ retirement age, Buhari tells Senate

Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) delivered an executive bill to the Senate on Wednesday, aiming to raise the retirement age for teachers in Nigeria from 60 to 65 years.

Teachers’ service years would be increased from 35 to 40 years under the measure.

Buhari said that the piece of legislation will allow for a harmonised retirement age for teachers in Nigeria, in a letter addressed to Senate President Ahmad Lawan and read on the floor.

According to him, the decision to raise the retirement age and service years was made in accordance with Section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

“Transmission of the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Bill 2021 to the National Assembly for consideration,” the letter said in part.

“Pursuant to Section 58 subsection 2 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), I forward herewith the harmonised retirement age for teachers in Nigeria Bill, 2021 for consideration by the Senate.

“The harmonised retirement age for teachers in Nigeria bill 2021 seeks to increase the retirement age for teachers from 60 to 65 years, and also increase the possible years of service from 35 to 40 years.

“While appreciating your usual expeditious consideration of this submission, please, accept Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

Meanwhile, Lawan referred the President’s request for Major General Farouk Yahaya’s confirmation as Chief of Army Staff of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Defence and Army Committees during plenary.

Senator Aliyu Wamakko’s Defence Committee was tasked with being the key panel in screening the newly appointed Army Chief.