Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun has emphasized the importance of adhering to approved guidelines in order to qualify for the new retirement age of 65 years and 40 years of service for teachers in state public schools.
This directive was reiterated in a circular issued by Ayanleye Aina, the head of service, on Tuesday in Osogbo.
The circular emphasized that individuals seeking to benefit from the increased retirement age must adhere to the stipulated guidelines.
According to these guidelines, eligible teachers must belong to the education cadre recognized in the scheme of service. Additionally, they must be registered with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), medically fit as confirmed by a qualified medical practitioner, and not currently under disciplinary action.
It also said the eligible officers would be required to apply six months before they attain 60 years or 35 years of service, whichever was earlier.
The guidelines also said the application must be endorsed by the head
teacher/ principal of the eligible officer and addressed to the permanent secretary, Ministry of Education, among others.
It, however, said the period of extension was not pensionable.
It directed the Ministry of Finance and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to stop forthwith payment of salaries to those already enjoying the new retirement age without fulfilling the conditions.
The circular reads: “I wish to refer to our circulars Ref. Nos. SMD.61/VOL.III/36 dated 31st May 2022, and SMD.61/Vol.IV/52 dated 20th October 2023, on the above subject.
“I reiterate that the conditions stated in the aforementioned circulars still subsist.
“Consequently, all those already enjoying the new retirement age and length of service without fulfilling the necessary prerequisites have, by this circular, ceased to enjoy such benefits until compliance with the circulars.
“For the purpose of emphasis, for any officer to enjoy the new retirement age and length of service, the concerned officer is requested to ensure that the guidelines were strictly adhered to.
“For avoidance of doubt, a copy of the guidelines under reference is hereby attached. Relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government are requested to ensure wide circulation of this circular and strict compliance.”
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