3
Lagos Teachers Get Fresh Assurance on 65-Year Retirement Policy
The Lagos State Government has given teachers fresh assurance that the proposed extension of their retirement age to 65 years, or 40 years in service, is receiving accelerated attention, with a decision expected to be communicated to them soon.
The assurance came from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration organised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Lagos State Wing.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the governor said teachers deserved sustained attention because of their critical role in shaping the future of society.
Sanwo-Olu acknowledged that improving teachers’ welfare goes beyond salary increases, stressing the need for a better working environment, modern teaching tools, decent and affordable accommodation and a secure environment for teachers and learners. He assured teachers that these issues would remain on the government’s front burner.
The governor also urged stakeholders in the education sector to engage with government on a sustainable and holistic approach to improving the welfare and reward system for teachers.
He identified staff accommodation, additional classrooms, proper medical care and improved security as areas requiring sustained attention.
According to him, classrooms should be adequately provided to reduce overcrowding, while schools should also be properly fenced to strengthen security.
The governor noted that his administration had continued to support teachers through employment, timely promotions and expanded loan schemes.
The celebration brought together teachers from the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas of Lagos State, with participants distinguished by their colourful Ankara uniforms.
Hamzat said the government was also working on the reintroduction of the Merit Award for teachers, alongside the retirement policy.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, commended teachers for their contribution to the state’s education system, noting that their efforts were reflected in the impressive results recorded in the 2025 and 2026 West African Examinations Council, WAEC, examinations.
Alli-Balogun said the Merit Award for teachers had already received government approval, with planning for its implementation ongoing.
He called for greater investment in teachers, including an enhanced salary structure, improved professional training and the implementation of the 65-year retirement age and 40 years in service arrangement.
The Commissioner said teaching must be made attractive to both professionals already in the classroom and young people considering the profession.
NUT Demands Action
The Chairman of the NUT, Lagos State Wing, Comrade Hassan Akintoye, called for stronger measures to protect and reposition the teaching profession.
Akintoye said standing with teachers should go beyond celebrating them during award ceremonies or after impressive examination results.
“It means ensuring decent working conditions, listening to their concerns, providing adequate teaching resources, protecting them from insecurity, supporting professional development, and ensuring their contributions are valued,” he said.
He also called for the immediate implementation of the new retirement age policy, improved welfare, enhanced school security, better infrastructure, the appointment of a Headmaster-General and the formal restoration of the state’s merit awards.
In a separate interview ahead of the celebration, Akintoye had also expressed concern over the declining status of teachers, arguing that educators were no longer accorded the level of respect they enjoyed in earlier decades.
He recalled that teachers were once regarded as influential community leaders whose opinions were sought on important community decisions.
The NUT chairman also linked the challenges facing teachers to poor welfare, inadequate remuneration, weak incentives, poor working environments and insecurity.
Call for Better Working Conditions
Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr. Olutoye Mukaila Ayinde, who spoke on the impact of teachers on human capital development and the economy, supported the demands presented by the NUT leadership and urged government to give them accelerated attention.
He stressed the importance of teachers to the development of human capital and the wider economy.
The celebration ended on a lively note as teachers from across Lagos sang solidarity songs and applauded the Deputy Governor.
One of the highlights was the presentation of a NUT award to the Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, for his efforts towards improving the welfare and experience of teachers.
By Innocent Onoh
