The Bayelsa State Head of Service, Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, mni, has inaugurated a nine-member committee to sensitize teachers across the state on the process for extending their service years to 65 years by age and 40 years by years in service.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held at the Conference Hall of the Office of the Head of Service, State Secretariat Complex, Dr. Sawyer explained that the extension of service years is not automatic but subject to certain conditions outlined in the law.

He noted that although the Bayelsa State House of Assembly has domesticated the Teachers’ Retirement Age Law 2025, which allows teachers to serve up to 65 years by age and 40 years by service, only those adjudged medically fit and who meet other specified criteria will benefit from the extension.

Dr. Sawyer further emphasized that, in line with the law, teachers interested in the extension must submit a formal application to be routed through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and to the Office of the Head of Service to do due diligence, in accordance with the harmonized retirement age for teachers law Bayelsa State 2025. He urged teachers to continue supporting the policies and programmes of the state government aimed at improving the education sector.

The ministries and departments involved in the implementation of the policy include the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, and the Office of the Head of Service, among others.