"Don't Change the Rules" — Teachers Confront Cross River Govt Over Retirement Age Policy

Teachers in Cross River State have challenged the state government over the implementation of the new retirement age policy, insisting that authorities should not introduce conditions that are not contained in the Federal Government's approved guidelines.

The disagreement came to the fore during a stakeholders' meeting held in Calabar on Monday, where officials of the Cross River State Government met with leaders of organised labour, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and other education stakeholders to discuss concerns surrounding the policy.

The teachers, represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the NUT, expressed concern over a government circular that reportedly introduced additional requirements, including competency tests, for teachers seeking to benefit from the extension of the retirement age.

Speaking during the meeting, Cross River State NLC Chairman, Comrade Gregory Olayi, argued that the Federal Government's retirement policy for teachers clearly provides for retirement at 65 years of age or after 40 years of pensionable service and does not make competency tests a condition for enjoying the extension.

According to him, adding fresh conditions amounts to changing the rules after the policy has already been approved at the national level. He urged the state government to implement the policy exactly as it was enacted without introducing extra hurdles for teachers.

Responding to the concerns, the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, assured teachers that the administration of Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu would handle the matter fairly and in accordance with the law.

He said the government values the contributions of teachers to the development of the state and would continue engaging all stakeholders before taking any final decision on the implementation of the retirement policy.

Peter Odey appealed to teachers to remain calm, stressing that dialogue remains the best way to resolve disagreements. He assured them that no worker would be treated unfairly and that the government was committed to protecting the welfare of teachers while ensuring compliance with existing laws.

The meeting was attended by the Head of Service, Barr. Orok Bassey Okon, officials of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), the State Secondary Education Board, the Technical Education Board and other labour representatives.

At the end of the meeting, both the government and labour unions agreed to continue discussions with the aim of reaching a resolution acceptable to all parties.

The retirement age policy has generated widespread interest among teachers in Cross River, many of whom are closely watching the outcome of the ongoing consultations, hoping the state government will adopt the Federal Government's policy without additional conditions.

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