Former Minister Dr. Sununu Lauds Gov. Idris Over Extension Of Retirement Age For Medical, Veterinary Doctors
Former Minister Dr. Sununu Lauds Gov. Idris Over Extension Of Retirement Age For Medical, Veterinary Doctors
By Aminu Suleiman
Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and APC House of Representatives candidate for Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency in the forthcoming 2027 elections, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, has commended Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, for approving the extension of the mandatory retirement age for medical and veterinary doctors in the State Civil Service.
Under the new policy approved by Governor Idris, the retirement age for medical and veterinary doctors has been increased from 60 to 65 years, while the length of service has been extended from 35 to 40 years, whichever comes first.
The former minister made the commendation in a statement issued to journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.
Dr. Sununu described the decision as an excellent step in the right direction, noting that the issue has remained one of the major concerns of medical professionals at the national level.
He recalled that even during his tenure as National Secretary-General of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), similar efforts were initiated but have yet to be fully achieved nationwide.
He explained that Kebbi State has peculiar circumstances in which medical and veterinary students, as well as nursing and midwifery students, were often granted permanent and pensionable appointments at certain stages of their training. According to him, this arrangement significantly reduced the number of years available for active service after graduation and professional advancement within the civil service.
The former minister observed that the situation resulted in many doctors and nurses retiring at the relatively young age of 54 to 55 years, thereby depriving the health sector of experienced personnel at the peak of their professional competence.
He noted that previous attempts to address the challenge through contract appointments did not adequately bridge the gap due to differences in responsibilities, commitment, and institutional engagement between contract and regular staff.
Dr. Sununu emphasized that, as in many other professions, experience, leadership capacity, empathy, and dedication increase with age and years of service, making Governor Idris’ decision both timely and justified. He expressed optimism that the extension of the retirement age would boost productivity, strengthen mentorship among younger professionals, and enhance healthcare governance and leadership across the state.
He further congratulated Governor Idris for his foresight and courage in taking the bold decision, describing it as yet another demonstration of the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
Dr. Sununu also commended the Governor for addressing salary anomalies inherited from previous administrations and expressed hope that further achievements would be recorded in the area of workers’ welfare, particularly following the inauguration of the committee on primary school teachers’ welfare.
He reiterated that Governor Idris’ people-oriented policies continue to position Kebbi State as a model in public service reforms and human resource development, especially in critical sectors such as healthcare.
The statement was issued and signed to newsmen by Yahaya Sarki
Special Adviser (SA) on Media and Publicity to the Governor of Kebbi State
