President Muhammadu Buhari has sent an executive bill to the Senate, seeking to increase the retirement age for teachers in the country from 60 to 65 years. The bill, when approved extends the years of service for teachers from 35 to 40 years.

The president, in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, on Wednesday, June 2, explained that the bill would harmonized the retirement age for teachers in Nigeria.

The letter read in part,

Transmission of the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Bill 2021 to the National Assembly for consideration

“Pursuant to Section 58 subsection 2 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), I forward herewith the harmonised retirement age for teachers in Nigeria Bill, 2021 for consideration by the Senate.

“The harmonised retirement age for teachers in Nigeria bill 2021 seeks to increase the retirement age for teachers from 60 to 65 years, and also increase the possible years of service from 35 to 40 years.

“While appreciating your usual expeditious consideration of this submission, please, accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”