In a significant move to strengthen the education sector and reward professional dedication, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has approved a major enhancement of service conditions for teachers across the state. The landmark policy includes extending the mandatory retirement age and introducing new welfare incentives.
Enhanced Retirement Age and Service Years for Educators
The mandatory retirement age for teachers in Kaduna State has been officially extended from 60 to 65 years. Furthermore, the maximum allowable years of service have been increased from 35 to 40 years. According to a statement from the state government, these changes take effect from August 1, 2025.
The Commissioner for Information, Mallam Ahmed Maiyaki, explained that this approval aligns with the national Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act, 2022. This federal legislation exempts teachers from the general public service retirement threshold, acknowledging their critical role in national development.
Special Allowance for Rural Posting and Governor's Vision
In a bid to attract and retain teachers in underserved areas, the governor has also approved a special rural posting allowance for educators assigned to remote and hard-to-reach communities. This incentive is designed to ensure equitable distribution of qualified teaching staff across the state.
Commissioner Maiyaki conveyed Governor Sani's firm belief that experienced teachers are central to delivering quality education. "The governor considers experienced teachers central to delivering quality education and sustaining learning outcomes," Maiyaki stated. He added that the policy aims to honour dedicated service, retain invaluable classroom experience, and motivate greater productivity for the benefit of Kaduna's children.
Implementation and Broader Peace Achievements
A circular conveying the governor's approval has been issued by the Office of the Governor and signed by the Permanent Secretary (Establishment), Mrs. Felicia I. Makama. The circular directs all relevant state institutions to comply with the new directive. Detailed implementation guidelines are expected to be issued by the State Civil Service Commission in due course.
Governor Sani expressed confidence that this policy will boost teacher motivation, improve retention rates, and significantly raise educational standards in Kaduna. This initiative reinforces his administration's broader commitment to strengthening public institutions and investing in human capital development.
In related news, the Kaduna State Government, represented by Commissioner Maiyaki at the 2025 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Week, highlighted a milestone achievement. The state has recorded zero violent conflict since 2023. This peace is attributed to the effective 'Kaduna Peace Model,' a homegrown framework integrating dialogue, community engagement, and intelligence-led security. Governor Sani emphasized that peace is the foundation for development, enabling progress in education, agriculture, skills acquisition, and enterprise growth across the state.
