Teachers across Nigeria have once again called on the government to improve their welfare, working conditions, and fully implement the 65-year retirement age policy, as the country joined the rest of the world to celebrate World Teachers’ Day 2025 on Sunday.
At events held nationwide, education stakeholders and teachers’ unions expressed concern over the slow pace of policy implementation, poor salaries, and inadequate teaching facilities — all of which they said continued to affect the quality of education in the country.
They urged both federal and state governments to prioritize teachers’ welfare and fulfill promises made to the education sector.
65-Year Retirement Age Yet to Be Implemented in 16 States
According to data from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), 16 states have yet to implement the 65-year retirement age despite it being signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari in April 2022. The law allows teachers to retire at 65 years of age or after 40 years of service, whichever comes first, and exempts them from the general public service retirement rule of 60 years or 35 years of service.
The affected states include Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Ekiti, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Oyo, Rivers, and Sokoto.
In Kwara State, the NUT Chairman, Comrade Yusuf Agboola, lamented that the government had not yet implemented the policy. He urged the state to address pending welfare issues, saying the future of education depended on properly motivated teachers. However, he commended the government for regularly paying salaries, promoting teachers, and recruiting over 3,000 new ones across schools.
In Oyo State, the NUT Chairman, Comrade Raji Ismail, praised Governor Seyi Makinde for reforms such as prompt salary payment, teacher promotions, and career progression. He also acknowledged the appointment of a teacher as the Executive Chairperson of the Post-Primary Teaching Service Commission, calling it “a great morale booster.”
NUT Calls for Investment in Education
The NUT National President, Comrade Audu Amba, used the occasion to call for increased investment in public education and better support for teachers.
“Without deliberate investment in teachers, the future of education is at risk,” he warned.
He urged governments to allocate more funds to education and create better learning environments, while commending teachers nationwide for their resilience and patriotism.
Governors Pledge Support for Teachers
Several governors also used the celebration to appreciate teachers’ dedication and promise continued support.
In Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo described teachers as “nation builders and architects of the future,” pledging to improve their working conditions and provide more training opportunities.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, praised teachers as the foundation of all professions and promised to keep providing the tools and environment needed for them to thrive.
In Katsina State, Governor Dikko Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education reform and teachers’ welfare, saying teachers remained the cornerstone of national development.
Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State described teachers as partners in shaping young minds and values, noting that his administration had continued to invest in training, school infrastructure, and teacher recruitment.
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, also promised to review science teachers’ allowances and clear outstanding leave bonuses. He confirmed that the 65-year retirement age had been approved for teachers who wish to continue beyond the regular retirement period.
In Kwara, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, said the government was already reviewing issues around allowances and retirement age to ensure teachers’ welfare remains a top priority.
Private Schools Seek Relief from High Taxes
In Oyo State, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools appealed to the government to review what they described as a “25% automatic annual increase in personal income tax,” saying it makes it difficult for school owners to reinvest in staff and facilities.
The association’s chairman, Wale Ojewumi, noted that private schools play a vital role in complementing public education and deserve better recognition and support.
Scholars Advocate Better Working Conditions
A senior lecturer at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Dr. Vincent Paul, also called for better welfare and infrastructure for teachers, especially at the primary and secondary levels.
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He commended teachers for their commitment despite poor conditions and celebrated the day by visiting his former primary school teacher, Mrs. Augustina Abraham, thanking her for her role in shaping his academic journey.
World Teachers’ Day is celebrated every October 5 to honor the invaluable role teachers play in shaping societies and building the future.
