By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Government of Cross River State has revised the retirement age and years of service for teachers in public schools.
According to a circular (Circular NO: 3/2026) signed by Orok Bassey Okon, Head of Service of the State, on 14th January 2026, the extension is not mandatory and those who wish to would relinquish their position, if holding any administrative position.
The circular titled, “AMENDMENT OF CIRCULAR NO: 1/2023 – APPROVAL FOR REVISED RETIREMENT AGE AND YEARS OF SERVICE FOR TEACHERS IN THE CROSS RIVER STATE PUBLIC SERVICE,” the elongation of service was approved by Governor Bassey Otu.
The circular reads below:
“Recall the earlier Circular No: 1/2023 approving the elongation of service for teachers in the Cross River State Public Service, I here convey the approval of His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State, for an amendment to the said Circular.
“Following concerns of stagnation arising from the implementation of the elongation policy, Government has approved the introduction of an additional provision to guide its application, particularly with respect to Heads of Schools.
“Accordingly, any Head of School who attains the mandatory retirement age of sixty (60) years or thirty-five (35) years in service and desires to benefit from the approved elongation of service shall relinquish the position of headship.
“Such officers shall, upon attainment of the mandatory retirement age of sixty (60) years or thirty-five (35) years in service, be redeployed to other teaching or administrative duties within the school system, as may be determined by the relevant education authority.
“This amendment is intended to ensure effective leadership succession in schools while still allowing experienced teachers to render continued service to the education sector.
“All other provisions of Circular No. 1/2023 not affected by this amendment remain valid and in force.
“All Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Education Boards, and School Administrators are to note and ensure strict compliance with this directive. Any contrary practice is hereby discontinued.
“This Circular takes effect from August 1, 2026, in order to allow seamless transition in School leadership at the end of the 2025/2026 academic session.
“Please bring the contents of this Circular to the attention of all concerned for guidance and strict adherence.”
Converseer reports that the circular was addressed to the Hon. Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Hon. Chief Judge, all Commissioners/Special Advisers, the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, all Chairmen of Commissions & Boards, all Permanent Secretaries/Special Assistants, the Clerk of the House/Chief Registrar, the Accountant-General/Auditor-General (State/Local Govt), the Head of Personnel to the Deputy Governor, and all Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments/Parastatals.
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