Osun Assembly Extends Retirement Age Of Academic Staff
Abiodun Komolafe
Osun State House of Assembly yesterday passed the bill seeking to extend the retirement age of academic staff and non-academic staff of the state-owned tertiary institutions from 60 to 65 years.
Sequel to a motion moved by the House Leader, Timothy Owoeye, shortly after the bill passed through the committee, whole and necessary amendment were made from clauses 1 to 4.
It would be recalled that both academic and non-academic staff of the state-owned institutions have been on strike since February, demanding extension of the retirement age among other agitations.
Addressing his colleagues, the Speaker, Najeem Salam, expressed optimism that the passage of the bill would resolve the crisis between staff of the tertiary institutions and the government.
“By the passage of this bill, I think we have resolved the issue of the retirement age that has been the bone of contention in our tertiary institutions. “I believe with this exercise that we have done, the teaching and nonteaching staff would return to work.
“If there is any other agitation, I think that can be resolved when they resume work, at least, for the sake of our children who have been at home and wasted time in their academic pursuit,” he said.
He added that the parliament ensured speedy passage of the bill because the administration of Rauf Aregbesola wanted schools to reopen as soon as possible.
