By Abigail David

The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to discontinue the practice of placing civil servants on a mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave, stating that such a provision does not exist in the Public Service Rules.

The directive was issued in a circular by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, and addressed to ministers, permanent secretaries, service chiefs and heads of government agencies.

Titled “Correct Interpretation of Public Service Rule 120243 on Pre-Retirement Activities,” the circular clarified that the three-month period before retirement is a notice and administrative preparation window, not an automatic leave entitlement.

According to Walson-Jack, several MDAs had wrongly interpreted the rule by directing officers due for retirement to stop reporting for duty before their official exit dates.

She explained that Public Service Rule 120243 only requires retiring officers to give three months’ notice, attend a one-month pre-retirement seminar or workshop, and use the remaining period to regularise service records and pension documentation.

“The so-called mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave has no basis in the Public Service Rules,” the Head of Service stated.

The circular emphasised that officers remain active public servants throughout the notice period and are expected to continue performing their official duties unless they are attending approved retirement programmes or have been granted leave under existing regulations.

Consequently, all MDAs have been directed to stop compelling retiring officers to vacate their positions before their official retirement dates.

Under the new directive, retiring officers are expected to continue discharging their responsibilities while completing pension documentation and other retirement-related processes.

The government said the clarification would standardise the implementation of Public Service Rules across federal institutions and prevent the loss of experienced personnel before their official retirement.

The move is also expected to improve service delivery by ensuring that retiring officers continue contributing their expertise until the end of their tenure.

Under Nigeria’s public service regulations, civil servants retire upon attaining 60 years of age or completing 35 years in service, whichever comes first.

By Abigail David

Public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State were closed on Monday as teachers complied with a directive from the Nigeria Union of Teachers to protest the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Ahoro-Esienle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area.

The action coincided with protests in Oyo and Ogun State, where residents, civil society groups and labour activists demanded the immediate release of the victims and called for stronger measures to address insecurity.

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities.

Academic activities were suspended across Oyo State as teachers joined the protest, with reports indicating widespread compliance in Ibadan, Ogbomoso and the Ibarapa axis.

In Ogbomoso, demonstrators marched through major streets, calling for the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers. Family members of some victims also joined the protest, appealing to authorities to intensify rescue efforts.

Civil society groups, including members of the Take-It-Back Movement, staged a peaceful demonstration in Ibadan, carrying placards demanding improved security and urgent government action against kidnapping.

Similar protests were held in Abeokuta, where residents condemned the worsening security situation and urged the Federal Government to secure the release of the abductees.

Meanwhile, teachers across the country are expected to hold solidarity rallies in all 36 state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory. The nationwide action follows a directive issued by NUT National President Audu Amba and Secretary Clinton Ikpitibo.

The union said the rallies are aimed at drawing attention to the increasing attacks on schools and education workers across the country.

The Lagos State Chairman of NUT, Akintoye Hassan, explained that schools would remain open in most states, except Oyo, where authorities ordered a temporary closure following the abductions.

According to him, a nationwide shutdown of schools would undermine access to education and play into the objectives of groups seeking to disrupt learning.

Also reacting, the North East Civil Society Network accused the Federal Government of applying double standards in its response to school abductions, arguing that pupils abducted in Borno State deserved the same level of attention as victims in Oyo State.

The Ogbomoso Pivotal Club Lagos also condemned the abductions and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release.

In a related development, the Northern Christian Youth Professionals commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State, describing the move as a step toward improving security.

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

Residents of Ayegunle Bunu in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State were thrown into panic in the early hours of Monday following a reported attack by armed assailants that left one person dead and more than 30 others feared abducted. According to local sources, the incident occurred at about 2:25 a.m. in the community. One person was reportedly killed during the attack, while another sustained injuries.

Sources said two residents of Ayegunle Bunu—a man and a woman—were among those allegedly abducted. The remaining victims were said to be passengers travelling in a commercial bus that was reportedly intercepted by the attackers while passing through the area.The exact number of people abducted could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Efforts are reportedly ongoing to verify details of the attack and determine the number of victims involved.The latest incident has raised concerns among residents about security in the area, with community members calling for increased protection and swift action by relevant authorities.