The Niger State Government in North-Central Nigeria has approved a new law setting the retirement age for teachers at 65 years.
The law, passed by the State House of Assembly, will take effect from January 1, 2026.
Governor Umaru Bago announced this during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held in Minna.
The event was organised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Niger State Chapter, in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
The Governor also said that “Professors in the state can now retire at 70 years.
He explained that this is to ensure teachers continue to pass their knowledge and values to future generations.
Governor Bago approved the return of PTA levies in schools, but directed that payments must be supervised by the Ministry of Education to ensure proper use.
He promised a wage award of ₦20,000 to all teachers next month and donated an 18-seater bus to the NUT.
He further said that from now on, the employment and promotion of primary school teachers will be handled by the Local Government Service Commission, while SUBEB will only screen and provide necessary information.
The governor also approved a retreat for teachers on level 17 and promised to remove teachers from civil service bureaucracy to give them a more standard service structure.
The NUT State Chairman, Comrade Adamu Mohammed Akayago, praised Governor Bago for his commitment to education and for approving an 80,000 minimum wage for workers.
He said teachers are key to building the nation and deserve dignity and better welfare.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Hajiya Aishatu Nuhu Yalwa, said the Bago administration remains committed to quality and inclusive education for all children.
In his keynote speech, NECO Registrar, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, described teachers as national security assets who play a key role in shaping responsible citizens. He called for more support and empowerment for teachers across the country.
Other speakers, including the Chairman of SUBEB, Mohammed Baba Ibrahim, and the NLC Chairman, Comrade Idris Lafene, also commended teachers for their contributions to nation-building.
Governor Bago and other dignitaries, including Senator Sani Musa and former Commissioner for Basic Education, Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, were honored with awards for their contributions to the education sector.
This year’s World Teachers’ Day theme was; “Together for Teachers, Together for Tomorrow.”
Olusola Akintonde