Oyo Government Rejects Retirement Age Extension, Cites Need for Youth Employment

The Oyo State Government has turned down the proposal to extend the retirement age for teachers and other civil servants from 60 to 65 years.

This decision contrasts with recent moves by other states and the Federal Government. Earlier in February, the Federal Government had approved a retirement age extension for clinically skilled health workers, citing the need to strengthen healthcare delivery and training capacity across the country. Following that, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on May 1, urged the government to apply the same policy to all civil servants.

Some states have already implemented the change. Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Sunday approved the immediate extension of teachers’ retirement age to 65 years and years of service to 40. Similarly, the Niger State Government announced that the new retirement policy for teachers would take effect from January 1, 2026.

However, Oyo State’s Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Mr. Segun Olayiwola, revealed that the State Executive Council decided against the proposal after several deliberations. Speaking at the 2nd Multidisciplinary International Conference of the Postgraduate College at Lead City University, Ibadan, on Wednesday, Olayiwola said the policy would reduce job opportunities for younger graduates.

“It took us about five executive meetings to debate this matter,” he said. “The proposal initially covered teachers, but other civil servants demanded inclusion. We considered states like Niger, with smaller populations and fewer graduates, and concluded that extending the age to 65 would block employment opportunities. Those due for retirement this year would stay for another five years, preventing the 15,000 teachers recently employed in Oyo from getting such opportunities. That’s why this government will not adopt the 65-year retirement age.”

Despite the government’s stance, some education experts believe extending the service years could be beneficial.

Prof. Afolakemi Oredein, Provost of the Postgraduate College, Lead City University, supported the idea, saying experienced mentors are crucial for developing younger academics. “Raising the age to 70 isn’t a bad idea,” she noted. “It allows seasoned professors to nurture future researchers and helps curb brain drain.”

Similarly, Professor Godwin Oyedokun, an educationist and human capital development expert, advocated a flexible approach to retirement in academia. “Retirement should depend on individual health and expertise,” he said. “Many professors remain active and capable well past 60. Such individuals should be retained with lighter workloads and regular health checks to ensure continued productivity.”