In order for teachers in Osun public schools to benefit from the new retirement age of 65 and the length of service requirement of 40 years, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has underlined the implementation of authorized standards.
This is stated in a circular that Osun State Head of Service Mr. Ayanleye Aina released on Tuesday in Osogbo.
The circular states that individuals who wish to take advantage of the new, higher retirement age must adhere to several requirements, one of which is fitting into the recognized education cadre as stated in the plan of service.
The guidelines further state that the officer must not be facing disciplinary action, be registered with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, or TRCN, and be deemed medically fit by a licensed physician.
It further stated that the eligible officer must apply six months in advance of reaching sixty years of age or thirty-five years of service, whichever comes first.
The instructions specify that the application must be sent to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and approved by the eligible officer’s principal or head teacher, among other requirements.
It does, however, specify that the extension period is not pensionable and orders the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Ministry of Finance to cease paying salaries to individuals who have already reached the new retirement age without meeting the requirements.
The circular states: “On the aforesaid subject, I wish to refer you our Circulars Ref. Nos. SMD.61/VOL.III/36 dated May 31, 2022, and SMD.61/Vol. IV/52 dated October 20, 2023. I restate that the terms contained in the previously mentioned circulars are still in effect.
As a result, by virtue of this circular, everyone who had previously benefited from the increased retirement age and length of service without meeting the requirements has stopped to do so until they comply with the circulars.
To emphasize, the responsible officer must make sure that the rules are properly followed in order for any officer to benefit from the increased retirement age and length of service.
A copy of the guidelines under reference is included herewith for the sake of clarity. Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that are pertinent are urged to make sure that this circular is widely distributed and that strict adherence is followed.