Court Nullifies FG's Eight-Year Retirement Policy for Directors

On July 10, 2026, Justice O.Y. Anuw of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled against the Federal Government's eight-year retirement policy for education directors, declaring it invalid.

The court found that the circular issued by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, which sought to enforce this policy, conflicted with the Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers Act 2022. This act allows teachers, including those in educational offices, to remain in service until they reach 65 years of age or complete 40 years of pensionable service.

The case was brought by Mr. Rakiya Gambo Iliyasu, a grade level 17 director in the Federal Ministry of Education, who argued that the eight-year tenure rule unlawfully compelled directors to retire.

The court's judgment set aside three circulars issued in February 2026 that enforced the retirement policy, granting a perpetual injunction against the Federal Ministry of Education from implementing the policy in a manner inconsistent with the Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers Act.