•Hail governor for approving recruitment of 2000 teachers.

A group of workers in Ondo State have passionately called on the State Governor, Hon. Lucky Oriminsan Aiyedatiwa, to suspend the policy of the state government, which extended years of service for teachers in the state.

Recall that the late governor of the state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had in October 2023 approved the new harmonised retirement age for teachers in the state, extending it from 60 to be 65 years or 40 years in service.

Concerned workers had earlier written a letter to the Governor to kick against the policy while a group of youths had also advised the government to suspend the policy for teachers recruitment.

Also yesterday however, the group under the umbrella of Concerned Workers in Ondo State during their meeting held in Akure, described the policy as unpopular and anti- youths who are jobless.

Spokesperson for the group, Akin Olanusi, explained that policy of elongating years of service for teachers may undermine the progress that has been made and jeopardize the future of education in the coastal state.

His words, “Instead of elongating the service year for teachers, Mr governor should prioritize the issue of recruitment, bringing new hands into the system, especially our public and primary schools.

“This will enhance productivity. We want to say that the state government should release teachers who are of age to go and rest and enjoy their lives.”

He also applauded the state governor for approving the recruitment of 2000 teachers into the state civil service but noted that if the elongation policy is suspended, this could create employment for additional 1,000 fresh graduates who are still agile and smart.

Christina Olawusi and Adetia Margaret on their part emphasised that the potential negative impacts of the elongation policy could draw the state backwards abysmally.

Also, Comrade Lekan Ogundaisi and Kolawole Adebayo commended governor Aiyedatiwa for consistently demonstrating priority to providing the best possible working conditions for workers and the highest quality of life for residents.

Comrade Lucky Omoboyowa noted that anybody who is above 60 years or to have spent 35 years in service can no longer stand for hours to teach, hence, the need to suspend the policy.

Meanwhile, the workers particularly hailed the governor for the appointment of Mr Bayo Philips as the State Head of Service, payment of salary areas for workers of the state-owned Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo and payment of N35,000 wage award to the state workers.