• Calls For Enhanced Child safety In schools
• Travels To France Ahead Of AU Summit In Addis Ababa
President Bola Tinubu announced a new retirement age for doctors and healthcare workers, raising it from 60 to 65 years.
This decision was made on the same day he urged public and private educational institutions to prioritize the safety of children and directed relevant education authorities to ensure adherence to safety regulations.
Following these announcements, President Tinubu departed from Abuja to Paris, France, on a private visit before proceeding to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the African Union (AU) summit.
Tinubu expressed his condolences in a message to the families of victims of a tragic fire incident at an Islamic school in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State. He extended his sympathies to the state government and the school’s owners and prayed for the swift recovery of those receiving medical care. He also sought eternal peace for the deceased and comfort for their bereaved families.
Dr Mannir Bature, the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), revealed the new retirement age in a statement issued from Lagos. He noted that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has been tasked with formally presenting this decision to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation for final approval.
During a recent high-level meeting with NMA President Prof. Bala Audu and other health sector stakeholders, Minister Pate also mentioned that President Tinubu has approved adjustments to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) to reflect the implementation of the new minimum wage.
The NMA has advocated for an increase in the retirement age of health workers as a measure to mitigate brain drain, enhance knowledge transfer, and ensure high-quality healthcare delivery.
During his time in Addis Ababa for the AU summit, which will take place from February 12 to 16, 2025, Tinubu is expected to engage with fellow African leaders. His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that while in France, the President is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron.
