Court Invalidates FG's Eight-Year Retirement Policy for Teachers

On July 10, 2026, Justice O.Y. Anuw of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria delivered a judgment in Abuja, declaring the Federal Government's eight-year retirement policy for education directors invalid.

The court upheld that teachers, including those in educational offices, are entitled to remain in service until they reach the age of 65, provided they complete 40 years of pensionable service. The ruling stemmed from a suit filed by Mr.

Rakiya Gambo Iliyasu, a Grade Level 17 Director in the Federal Ministry of Education, who challenged the policy compelling directors to retire after eight years. The court found that the circular issued by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation in February 2026 conflicted with the Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act 2022, which guarantees teachers' retirement at 65.

The court set aside the circulars issued on February 10, 24, and 26, 2026, declaring them null and void concerning teachers in educational offices.