On Tuesday, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, approved the immediate enforcement and implementation of a new retirement age and length of service for the teaching profession, with the compulsion that interested officer applications must be accompanied by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria’s (TRCN) Certificate and Licence.
A circular from the Office of the Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina, further directed all those interested in enjoying the new retirement age to comply with the guidelines of being in possession of certificate of medical fitness obtained from a Government Hospital.
“Consequently, the Ministry of Finance and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) have been directed to stop forthwith the payment of salaries to those who have been enjoying the new retirement age without fulfilling the conditions attached.”
The circular reads as follows:
“I wish to refer to our Circulars Ref. Nos. SMD.61/VOL.III/36 dated May 31, 2022, and SMD.61/Vol.IV/52 dated October 20, 2023, on the above subject and reiterate that the conditions stated in the aforementioned Circulars still exist. Consequently, all those who have been enjoying the new retirement age and length of service without fulfilling the necessary prerequisites have, by this Circular, ceased to enjoy such benefits until their compliance with the existing Circulars.
“For the purpose of emphasis, for any officer to enjoy the new retirement age and length of service, the concerned officer is requested to ensure that the guidelines are strictly adhered to.
“For avoidance of doubt, a copy of the guidelines under reference is hereby attached.
“Relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the government are requested to ensure wide circulation of this circular and strict compliance, the circular concluded.
Other guidelines, according to the circular, are:
“The officer must be medically fit as ascertained by a qualified medical doctor.
“The officer must not be under any disciplinary action.
“Procedure: The eligible officer will be required to apply six months before he/she attains the age of 60 years or 35 years of Service, whichever is earlier;
“The application must be endorsed by the Head Teacher or Principal of the eligible Officer and addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education;
“The application must be accompanied by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria’s (TRCN) Certificate and Licence and certificate of medical fitness obtained from a Government Hospital;
“Eligible applicants will be screened by a Committee to be set up by the Office of the Head of Service;
“All successful applicants will be deployed to serve as teachers in schools;
“All unsuccessful applicants will be advised to retire immediately under the 60/35 years Scheme;
“Documents Required for Application:
Medical certificate of fitness issued by a Government Hospital.
Registration Certificate issued by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) Licence issued by TRCN.
Right of Appeal: Any applicant whose application is not successful may appeal to the Office of the Head of Service, stating grounds of appeal and any supporting documents
“Miscellaneous: Successful Officers are at liberty to resign their services before the attainment of 65 years or 40 years in service;
“Extant Service rules and regulations, except those dealing with age and length of Service, are applicable to the successful Officers throughout the period of extension.
“The period of extension is not pensionable”, the guidelines concluded
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