The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has urged the Osun State Government to begin implementing the Teachers’ Elongation Policy as outlined in the policy guideline. The Osun CDHR also called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to demonstrate political resolve by increasing teacher recruitment to 8,000 and reinstating the reclassification of schools to the 6-3-3-4 system, as specified in the White Paper issued after the education summit. The organization accused the Osun Head of Service, Samuel Ayankeye Aina, of showing negligence toward the policy.
In a statement signed by its Osun Chairman, Emmanuel Olowu, the CDHR disclosed its advocacy for the full implementation of the teacher’s elongation policy due to the poor academic performance of students in the state. Olowu highlighted the insufficient number of subject teachers in public schools, particularly those in rural areas, as a contributing factor.
Olowu stated, “It should be noted that the Education Summit report led by Professor Oyesoji Aremu confirmed Osun State’s shortage of teaching personnel.”
He further explained that the teacher’s elongation policy, which was a Federal Government initiative under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s leadership, was adopted in Osun State during Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s administration on May 1, 2022. This adoption was facilitated through a circular issued by the Office of the Head of Service with reference number SMD.61/VOL.111/32 dated May 18, 2022, extending the retirement age/length of service of teachers in the state to sixty-five (65) years of age/forty (40) years of service.
Olowu elaborated on the policy’s provisions, stating that eligible officers within the education cadre recognized in the scheme of service must apply six months before reaching the age of 60 years or completing 35 years of service, whichever comes first. Applications must be endorsed by the Head Teacher/Principal and submitted to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, accompanied by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria’s (TRCN) Certificate and License, as well as a medical fitness certificate obtained from government hospitals. An evaluation committee established by the Office of the Head of Service will screen eligible applicants, with successful candidates deployed to serve as teachers in schools, while unsuccessful applicants will be advised to retire.