By Amos Aar
BENUE State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has approved the implementation of the new retirement age and length of service for all categories of teachers in the state who are recognised by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Tersoo Kula, in a statement on Friday said the approval was contained in a circular signed by the Benue State Head of Service, Dr Moses Ogbogbo Ode.
“The new implementation takes effect from May, 2023, following the enactment of the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers by the Benue State House of Assembly, which was signed into law by the outgone administration”, the statement read.
It further revealed that the new age of retirement for the teaching profession is sixty-five (65) years with the length of service fixed at forty (40) years, depending on whichever is earlier for the teachers.
“With the new development, there will no longer be boundaries in the implementation of the harmonized retirement age/length of service for Education Officers/Teachers. However, those who are not interested in elongation scheme are free to apply for retirement from the service in line with extant Public Service Rules.
“Furthermore, the Education Officers, Teachers and the general public are to note that, the Harmonized Retirement Age Law 2023, is superior to any guideline on the subject”, the statement added.