The Oyo State Government has turned down proposals to increase the retirement age for teachers and civil servants from 60 to 65 years, maintaining that such a move would restrict employment opportunities for young graduates across the state.
This stance comes despite the Federal Government’s earlier decision to approve a similar extension for clinically skilled health workers, a policy introduced to retain experienced professionals and enhance capacity development in the health sector.
In the wake of that decision, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had called for the same benefit to be extended to all public service sectors nationwide.
Meanwhile, states like Ekiti and Niger have taken steps in that direction — with Ekiti Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, recently approving a five-year extension for teachers, while Niger State announced plans to begin implementation from January 2026.
However, Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Segun Olayiwola, clarified that after a series of high-level deliberations, the state’s Executive Council unanimously resolved against the policy.
Speaking at the Second Multidisciplinary International Conference of the Postgraduate College, Lead City University, Ibadan, Olayiwola revealed that the proposal was discussed extensively across five executive meetings before it was dismissed.
“We discussed this issue at five different executive meetings. The initial focus was on teachers, but other civil servants later demanded inclusion,” Olayiwola said.
“Eventually, we agreed that raising the retirement age would deny younger people employment opportunities. In a state like Niger, where the population and number of graduates are smaller, it may work. But in Oyo State, if those due to retire this year stayed an additional five years, the 15,000 teachers we recently recruited might never have had that opportunity.”
The commissioner reaffirmed that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration remains committed to empowering young people through job creation and inclusive economic policies rather than extending the tenure of existing workers.
“Our focus is on building a sustainable workforce that allows new talents to thrive, not closing the door on the next generation of professionals,” Olayiwola added.
