World Teachers’ Day: Oyebanji Presents ₦46m to Outstanding Teachers

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…Extends Teachers’ Retirement Age to 65 Years, Service to 40 Years

By Lukman Babatope

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Sunday rewarded outstanding teachers in the state with ₦46 million cash gifts and approved the extension of their retirement age from 60 to 65 years and years of service from 35 to 40, as part of sweeping reforms to strengthen the education sector and motivate teachers for greater productivity.

Speaking at the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, the Governor said the decision was in line with his administration’s Shared Prosperity Agenda and commitment to enhancing teachers’ welfare.

The event, attended by more than 5,000 teachers, was turned into a carnival atmosphere as educators from across the state sang and danced in appreciation of Oyebanji’s teacher-friendly policies.

The Governor also approved an upward review of Science Teachers and Head of Department allowances and confirmed the immediate payment of the 2019 leave bonus arrears to teachers.

“Let me respond to the request by the TUC Chairman. I have been told now that 2019 leave bonus was paid yesterday, and you will start receiving the alert by tomorrow,” Oyebanji said.

He further explained that the extension of the retirement age was in fulfilment of his promise to reposition the education sector and retain competent and experienced hands in the teaching profession.

“I have heard your yearnings with respect to the mandatory age for retirement, and this has been approved as recommended but only for able and willing teachers,” he said.

“On the issue of science and head of departments’ allowances, I know that the Head of Service is doing the review of the allowances, and I have instructed her to bring it by next week for approval.”

Oyebanji expressed gratitude to teachers for their invaluable contributions to the development of the state, describing them as “the foundation upon which the future of Ekiti is built.”

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing their welfare and creating a more enabling environment for effective teaching and learning.

The Governor also seized the occasion to officially announce his intention to seek re-election for a second term in office.

“My dear friends, this will be the only opportunity to meet in a group like this before the next governorship election. I therefore want to officially inform you that I will be seeking a re-election into the office of the Governor for a second term.

“I have been greatly encouraged by the overwhelming goodwill, enthusiasm, and support that you have shown me. I want to assure you that, for you, it will always get better. I am resolutely committed to my pact with you and all Ekiti workers. I therefore solicit for your sustained support and prayers going forward,” the Governor stated.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Dr (Mrs) Olabimpe Aderiye, commended the Governor for repositioning the education sector and improving teachers’ welfare.

She highlighted the state government’s achievements, including the release of ₦1.6 billion as school running grants in the last three years, payment of ₦6.2 billion as UBEC counterpart funds for school renovation, and ₦1.5 billion for WAEC and state examination fees.

In their goodwill messages, the National President of ASUSS, Comrade Sola Adigun, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) representative, Mr Lateef Adesiyan, and Ekiti State NUT Chairman, Comrade Adedeji Egbeyemi, all commended Oyebanji for his passion and commitment to education.

They lauded his administration for sustaining free and compulsory education, appointing retired teachers as political office holders, renovating schools, and employing over 4,000 teachers in both primary and secondary schools.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi; Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo; members of the State Executive Council and the House of Assembly members.