The Kebbi State Executive Council has approved the extension of the retirement age for medical and veterinary doctors in the state civil service from 60 to 65 years, in a move aimed at addressing manpower shortages and improving healthcare delivery.

The decision was announced on Monday in Birnin Kebbi by the Commissioner for Establishment, Pension and Training, Alhaji Auwal Manu Dogondaji, shortly after the State Executive Council meeting.

Dogondaji said the policy also extends the years of service for affected professionals from 35 to 40 years, whichever comes first.

According to him, the approval followed efforts by Governor Nasir Idris to strengthen the health sector and improve civil service efficiency.

“Medical and veterinary doctors in the State Civil Service were previously required to retire at the age of 60 in line with the general public service retirement policy,” the commissioner said.

He noted that the health sector continues to face shortages of skilled personnel, migration of professionals, and rising healthcare demands.

“You will find that many doctors attain their peak clinical experience and specialization between the ages of 55 and 65. Forcing retirement at 60 results in the loss of highly skilled consultants, surgeons and specialists who are still fit and actively contributing to service delivery, training and mentorship,” Dogondaji stated.

The commissioner said the policy is designed to retain experienced professionals whose expertise remains critical to the state’s healthcare system.

He added that the measure aligns Kebbi with evolving national and global practices, noting that the Federal Government and several other states have adopted similar policies.

“The Federal Government and some states, including Kogi, Niger and Cross River, as well as several countries around the world, have extended the retirement age for medical professionals to between 66 and 70 years,” he said.

Dogondaji also said the extension would help curb the migration of experienced doctors to states with more attractive conditions of service.

He disclosed that veterinary doctors employed by the state government would also benefit from the new policy.

However, he stressed that officers retained beyond 60 years or 35 years of service must undergo annual medical fitness certification and maintain satisfactory performance ratings.

“Retention beyond 60 years or 35 years of service will be subject to annual medical fitness certification and satisfactory performance appraisal,” he said.

The policy is scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026.

Nigeria’s health sector continues to grapple with brain drain, as medical professionals migrate abroad in search of better working conditions and remuneration, placing pressure on healthcare systems across the country.

Observers say the Kebbi policy is expected to preserve institutional knowledge, strengthen mentorship for younger doctors, and reduce workforce gaps in critical healthcare and veterinary services.

The approval forms part of the state government’s broader efforts to improve public service efficiency and expand access to quality healthcare for residents.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has warned schools and supervisors against extorting candidates through unauthorised charges, describing the practice as unethical and illegal.

The council said this in a statement issued on Monday by its Public Affairs Department, signed by Moyosola Adesina, Head of Public Affairs, WAEC, Yaba.

WAEC said reports revealed instances where candidates were compelled to pay money under various pretexts, including script transportation, welfare packages and administrative fees.

The council also expressed concern over schools demanding payment for KAPEK calculators, noting that the materials were supplied free of charge to candidates nationwide.

According to WAEC, such practices undermine the credibility of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination and threaten public confidence in educational assessments.

The council directed proprietors, principals, supervisors and invigilators to desist immediately from collecting money from candidates or parents on behalf of examination officials.

It urged the public to report extortion attempts to designated Zonal Coordinators, Branch Controllers or through official communication channels provided nationwide.

The council stressed that candidates must not be subjected to harassment, intimidation or coercion before, during or after examinations.

“Immediate reports of any extortion attempt should be made to the Zonal Coordinator or Branch Controller, or via publicaffairs@waec.org.ng and hnowaeclagos@yahoo.co.uk.

“No harassment or intimidation of candidates in any form will be tolerated,” it stated.

WAEC warned that offenders risked severe sanctions, including derecognition, blacklisting, prosecution and referral to relevant authorities, while reaffirming its commitment to examination integrity.

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has dismissed reports claiming prospective candidates were excluded from admission into its 78 Regular Course due to portal closure.

The Academy described the allegations as inaccurate and inconsistent with the realities of its admission process.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna, the Academy’s Public Relations Officer, Maj.

Reuben Kovangiya, said the application portal remained accessible throughout registration.

He said applications for the 78 Regular Course opened on Nov.

28, 2025, and closed on April 30, 2026, before being extended to May 15.

According to him, candidates who scored 180 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and selected NDA as first choice were invited.

“Eligible candidates were sent emails on May 19, 2026, directing them to register for the NDA Screening Test not later than May 24, 2026,” he said.

Kovangiya said application procedures, timelines and requirements were widely publicised through the Academy’s website, portal, social media platforms and emails.

He noted that candidates had adequate time to complete registration requirements, including generating Remita Retrieval References, paying fees and submitting forms.

The spokesman added that applicants were repeatedly advised to monitor official communication channels for updates and important notices.

He also dismissed allegations that some candidates received privileged information or preferential access during the admission process.

“The allegation that some candidates received preferential access to registration information or procedures is entirely unfounded.

“The Academy maintains a transparent, merit-based and equitable admission process that affords all eligible applicants equal opportunity,” he said.

Kovangiya said the NDA operates a structured, time-bound admission process to ensure effective planning and conduct of screening exercises.

He said candidates who failed to complete registration within the stipulated time frame could not be accommodated for the June 20 screening test.

The spokesman reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to transparency, fairness and excellence in its admission process.

He urged the public to rely only on information disseminated through the Academy’s official communication channels.