The Cross River State Government has reassured teachers, organised labour and education stakeholders of its commitment to a fair, transparent and lawful implementation of the new retirement age policy for teachers, urging all parties to remain calm as consultations continue.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement held on Monday, August 3, 2026, Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, said the administration of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is carefully reviewing concerns raised by stakeholders to ensure that the implementation process aligns with extant laws and serves the best interests of both teachers and the education sector.
The Deputy Governor stressed that the government deeply appreciates the invaluable contributions of teachers to the development of the state and remains committed to policies that enhance quality education while safeguarding the rights and welfare of workers.
He urged labour unions and other stakeholders to sustain constructive engagement with government, noting that dialogue remains the most effective pathway to resolving outstanding issues rather than creating unnecessary anxiety over the policy.
The meeting was attended by the Head of Service, Barr. Orok Bassey Okon; the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Gregory Olayi; the President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS); as well as representatives of the State Secondary Education Board and the Technical Education Board.
Speaking on behalf of organised labour, Comrade Gregory Olayi explained that the unions’ concerns were prompted by a circular which they believe introduced additional conditions, including competency tests, for teachers seeking to benefit from the retirement age extension.
According to him, the Federal Government’s policy extending the retirement age of teachers to 65 years or 40 years of pensionable service does not make competency tests a prerequisite. He appealed to the state government to implement the policy in line with the nationally approved guidelines.
The stakeholders’ meeting ended with a shared commitment to continued dialogue, as the state government reaffirmed its resolve to arrive at an outcome that is equitable, legally sound and in the overall interest of the education sector in Cross River State.
By Ukongikwen Adie
