Speaking at an event in Ibadan, the State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Segun Olayiwola, said the State Executive Council carefully debated the issue over several meetings but concluded that the extension would block job openings for new entrants into the public service.

“If we allow it to be raised to 65, those who are due to retire this year will remain for another five years. That means the 15,000 teachers we recently employed would have been deprived of that opportunity,” he said.

While some states, including Ekiti and Niger, have approved the policy, Oyo insists it is not on its agenda, noting that workforce demographics and graduate output differ from state to state.

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In contrast, some educationists argue for more flexible retirement policies, especially in academia. Professor Afolakemi Oredein of Lead City University said older academics are vital for mentoring and training, adding that extending service years could help curb brain drain.

Similarly, Professor Godwin Oyedokun stressed that academic retirement should depend on an individual’s capacity, suggesting reduced workloads and regular health checks for aging but capable staff.

Source: Punch