Teachers in Lagos State have passionately appealed to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to approve the 65 years of age or 40 years of service retirement policy for teachers in the state.
The appeal was made by the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Hassan Akintoye Mujeeb, during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day Celebration, held on Sunday, October 5, at the NUT Pavilion, Central Business District, Alausa, Ikeja.
Comrade Mujeeb, in his address, commended the Lagos State Government for prioritizing teachers’ welfare but urged it to take a bold step in domesticating the federal policy extending teachers’ retirement age.
“We are passionately appealing for the approval of the 65 years of age or 40 years of service retirement policy for teachers in Lagos State,” he said.
“This appeal is born out of fairness, love, and recognition of the invaluable services of Lagos State teachers.”
He explained that the policy, already passed into law by the National Assembly and assented to by former President Muhammadu Buhari, would help retain experienced educators, improve educational quality, and ensure that teachers who lost years to academic disruptions such as strikes are not unfairly retired early.
According to him, approving the policy would further affirm Lagos State’s reputation as the “Centre of Excellence” and a teacher-friendly state.
He cited the achievements of Lagos teachers who have won both national and international awards, including Mrs. Adeola Adedunke Adefemi, who emerged Best Teacher in Africa in 2024, and Mrs. Salamatu Peace Sule of Akoka Junior High School, who was recently honoured as Africa’s Best Teacher 2025 in Ethiopia.
Comrade Mujeeb also noted that Delta State had gained national recognition after approving the policy and urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to emulate the gesture.
“Approving this policy will not only boost the morale of teachers but also cement your legacy as the Governor who genuinely valued and invested in teachers during his tenure,” he added.
The NUT Chairman also used the occasion to express appreciation to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Ali-Balogun, the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) for their continuous collaboration with teachers.
In a keynote address, the Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, assured the teachers that their concerns would be presented to the Governor for consideration.
“Teachers are destiny shapers and the most important people in the life of everyone,” she said.
“You are selfless individuals and indispensable to any society because, without teachers, other professionals cannot exist.”
Salu-Hundeyin reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusivity and continuous investment in teachers’ training and welfare, describing them as “the light of the world.”
In Lagos, we listen to teachers.
We have policies that ensure many of our Permanent Secretaries are teachers who grew through the ranks.
The Governor will continue to collaborate with teachers to raise competent children for a brighter future,” she assured.
The Head of Service of Lagos State, Mr. Olabode Agoro, who was represented also addressed the gathering, promising that teachers would remain central to government planning.
He reiterated that the state would continue to pay teachers’ salaries on the 23rd of every month as part of its commitment to their welfare.
Delivering a lecture on the theme, “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,” veteran educator Dr. Adetolu Isaac Olatunde advocated for a modern model of collaborative teaching.
He explained that this approach brings together teachers, parents, community artisans, and education authorities to create a more engaging and impactful learning environment.
“For this model to thrive, government must provide the enabling environment, allocate time, and supply necessary resources,” Dr. Olatunde emphasized.
This year’s celebration, themed “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,” underscored the importance of teamwork among teachers, policymakers, parents, and communities in enhancing educational outcomes.
The event, attended by dignitaries across the state’s education sector, was marked by colourful cultural performances that brought warmth and excitement to the day despite the heavy morning downpour across the state.
In all, the 2025 World Teachers’ Day Celebration in Lagos State was more than a gathering of educators, it was a heartfelt reaffirmation of the value of teaching and the pivotal role teachers play in shaping the future.
With Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration pledging to sustain its partnership with educators and the NUT renewing its commitment to quality teaching, the event ended on a note of optimism that soon, the long-awaited 65-year retirement policy will be granted, further cementing Lagos as a true Centre of Excellence in education.
Reporting by Innocent Onoh