The Niger State Government has passed a law setting the retirement age for teachers in the state at 65 years, effective from January 1, 2026.
The state governor, Umaru Bago, made this disclosure during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held in Minna, organised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Niger State Chapter, in collaboration with the Niger State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
Bago also revealed that the retirement age for professors has been set at 70 years, adding that the decision was taken to ensure that the values of teachers continue to be passed on to future generations.
Additionally, he announced the approval for the reintroduction of the payment of PTA levies in schools.
The governor, however, noted that such payments must be made under the supervision of the Ministry of Education to ensure the effective utilisation of the levies.
According to him, “My administration is committed to the welfare of teachers and henceforth, primary school teachers’ employment and promotion must be from the Local Government Service Commission, while the State Universal Basic Education Board will only have the mandate to screen and provide information in that regard.”
He further announced a wage award of N20,000 to be given to all teachers in the state by next month, as well as the donation of an 18-seater bus to the NUT, Niger State Chapter.
Bago used the forum to approve a retreat for teachers moving into Level 17 and commended teachers for their immense role in nation-building, adding, “I will continue to protect the interest of teachers and will remove them from the bureaucracy of the civil service and give them a standard service.”
The chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Niger State Chapter, Comrade Adamu Mohammed Akayago, in his remarks, explained that the theme of this year’s event signifies the reality that teachers are not merely transmitters of knowledge but architects of the collective future. As such, he said, the welfare, dignity, and professional status of teachers must remain a top priority for all stakeholders.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Hajiya Aishatu Nuhu Yalwa, stated that the occasion serves as a reminder that the future of the children lies with the teachers, who are the promoters of values.
In a keynote address titled “Together for Teachers, Together for Tomorrow: The Imperative for a Unified National Education Strategy”, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the National Examinations Council, NECO, Prof Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, identified Nigeria as one of the youngest and fastest-growing populations globally.
“The future,” he said, “is entirely dependent on collective action by all relevant stakeholders to elevate and empower the teaching force.”
Niger sets teachers’ retirement age at 65, approves conditional return of PTA levies