Retirement age for academics, medical experts set for extension

The government has drafted a bill which seeks to extend the retirement age for professors, senior lecturers and medical specialists in public institutions from 60 to 65 years.

The bill, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament during its next sitting, seeks the amendment of the Public Services Act by introducing a new section that would provide for a new retirement age for public servants.

Also proposed is a new retirement scheme for academics in public universities, namely professors and senior lecturers, as well as medical specialists in public hospitals.

“This new scheme intends to extend voluntary retirement for the service of the above-named categories to be sixty years, while the compulsory retirement age is extended to sixty-five years,” Attorney General George Masaju says in a statement. He adds that the amendment aims at implementing the recent government decision to change the retirement age of professors, senior lecturers and medical specialists in public universities and public hospitals.

Extension of the retirement age is also aimed at addressing the shortage of professors and senior lecturers in public universities and medical specialists in public hospitals.

It is also expected to reduce the cost incurred by the government in rehiring on contract retired professors, senior lecturers and medical specialists.

Extension of the retirement age will also enable professors, senior lecturers and medical specialists to serve the nation longer and at the same time groom their successors.   

SOURCE : THE CITIZEN