Bisina Somto
Annually, on the 5th of October, the global community comes together to celebrate World Teachers’ Day, a day dedicated to honoring and acknowledging the priceless contributions made by educators to our society.
Teachers are not just educators; they are the bedrock upon which modern societies are built. They shape the future of generations and serve as role models for our youths.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAs we mark this day, it is imperative that we, along with President Bola Tinubu, his education ministers, and state governments, undertake a critical review of Nigeria’s education system, particularly the condition of Nigerian teachers, as a prelude to sweeping reforms.
This year’s theme, “The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: The Global Imperative to Reverse Teacher Shortage,” sheds light on a significant challenge facing Nigeria’s education sector—the shortage of qualified teachers. This shortage is a wake-up call that demands immediate attention.
The celebration of World Teachers’ Day traces its origins to the 1996 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
This recommendation established benchmarks for the rights and responsibilities of teachers, as well as standards for their preparation, recruitment, employment, and working conditions.
Teaching, as UNESCO highlights, provides a unique opportunity to make a transformative and lasting impact on the lives of others, contributing to sustainable futures and personal fulfilment.
However, the world is grappling with an unprecedented global teacher shortage, exacerbated by declining working conditions and status, as stated by the UN.
Nigeria’s situation is particularly troubling, with insufficient teachers to cater to its vast student population. Poor teacher welfare has driven many bright minds away from the profession into more lucrative careers.
As of 2023, the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria reports only 2.3 million registered teachers, a stark contrast to the over 20.1 million out-of-school children, according to UNESCO. The teacher-to-student ratio in the North-East is an alarming 1:124, contributing to the region’s highest population of out-of-school children.
Teacher remuneration in Nigeria is inadequate, with some educators in private schools earning less than the minimum wage. Overcrowded classrooms and a lack of essential teaching resources further hinder the quality of education.
In contrast, neighbouring countries like Togo offer significantly better compensation for teachers, leading to an exodus of talent from Nigeria.
To compete in a knowledge-driven world, it is imperative to provide better welfare packages for teachers.
The National Union of Teachers (NUT) rightfully voices concerns about the declining quality of education as teachers leave the profession without adequate replacements.
Urgent and creative action by state governments to prioritize education is crucial. The Universal Basic Education Commission’s statistics reveal the magnitude of the challenge.
There are 354,651 teachers for 7.2 million students in pre-primary schools, 915,593 teachers for 32 million students in primary schools, and 416,291 teachers for eight million students in junior secondary schools.
While federal and state governments have made efforts to address these issues, policies have often proven inadequate. Recent mass migrations of teachers to the United Kingdom for better opportunities highlight the urgency of improving training, welfare, and career progression for Nigerian educators.
Somto is an Entertainment Reporter with a passion for uncovering the latest stories in the world of entertainment. As a dedicated journalist, Somto delivers in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and breaking news coverage.
She covers a wide range of topics, from celebrity interviews to industry trends and film reviews.
As an Entertainment Reporter for Prime Business Africa, She continues to provide comprehensive and insightful coverage of the entertainment industry, offering readers an insider's perspective on the latest developments and trends. She is a trusted source for breaking news, exclusive interviews, and thought-provoking analyses.
Somto is dedicated to providing valuable information and entertainment to her audience while upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity.
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