The quality of education in any nation is deeply connected to the caliber of its teachers. In Nigeria, the teaching profession is often marred by poor working conditions, inadequate training, and lack of societal recognition. This has had a long-standing impact on the country’s educational system, affecting millions of students who rely on it for their future.
Teachers are the linchpin of any education system, responsible for imparting knowledge, shaping character, and preparing students for life. However, the teaching profession in Nigeria is plagued by numerous challenges that undermine its effectiveness.
One of the critical issues facing the teaching profession is the recruitment and retention of qualified teachers. Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, needs to recruit 16.5 million more teachers to meet its education goals by 2030. Currently, Nigeria has a shortage of over 250,000 teachers in primary schools alone. This gap is exacerbated by the exodus of skilled educators to other professions or countries with better pay and working conditions. The recruitment process is often flawed, with positions given based on connections rather than merit, leading to the employment of underqualified individuals who lack the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver quality education.
Another significant issue is the lack of comprehensive teacher training. Many teachers enter the profession without undergoing adequate training in pedagogy or subject matter expertise. According to a 2022 World Bank report, fewer than 50% of Nigerian teachers meet the minimum qualification standards for their roles. Moreover, teachers lack in-service professional development opportunities, with the 2022 National Personnel Audit revealing that 67.5% of teachers in public schools and 85.3% in private schools have not attended any in-service training in five years.
The working conditions for Nigerian teachers leave much to be desired. Many schools, especially in rural areas, lack basic amenities such as electricity, potable water, and teaching materials. Teachers often have to work in overcrowded classrooms, with student-to-teacher ratios sometimes as high as 100:1. These conditions not only affect the teachers’ morale but also impede their ability to deliver quality education.
Perhaps one of the most demoralizing aspects of the teaching profession in Nigeria is the low pay. Many teachers earn less than ₦50,000 per month, barely enough to cover basic living expenses. In addition to low salaries, delayed wage payments are a frequent issue, forcing many teachers to take on additional jobs or abandon the profession altogether.
Continuous professional development is essential for teachers to stay updated on new teaching methods and curriculum changes. However, in Nigeria, opportunities for professional growth are scarce. The World Bank and UNESCO revealed that at least 20% of teachers in public basic education schools are not qualified to teach, and the number doubles in private schools. Many teachers go years without attending any form of training or workshop, leaving them stuck with outdated teaching methods.
In Nigeria, the teaching profession is often viewed as a last resort for those who could not secure more prestigious jobs. This societal perception has led to a lack of respect and recognition for teachers, further demoralizing those in the profession. A 2021 survey conducted by the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) revealed that 70% of teachers feel undervalued and unappreciated by society. Data shows that three out of four undergraduate students in the Faculty of Education at a Nigerian University did not willingly choose the education path, with some only accepting to study education-themed courses to get a tertiary degree, while others are doing it because they feel they are not brilliant enough to study other courses.
The issues facing teachers in Nigeria have a direct impact on the quality of education students receive. Poorly trained and demotivated teachers are less effective in the classroom, leading to low student performance. The 2023 West African Examination Council (WAEC) report revealed that only 39% of candidates obtained credit passes in five subjects, including Mathematics and English, underscoring the urgent need for reforms in the teaching sector.
Various initiatives have been launched by the Nigerian government to improve the teaching profession, including the Teachers’ Professional Development Fund (TPDF) and the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI). However, these initiatives are often hampered by inadequate funding, poor implementation, and corruption.
To resolve the issues in the teaching sector, recruitment should be based on merit, ensuring that only qualified individuals are employed as teachers. The government should invest in teacher training institutions to provide modern and effective training programs. Schools should be equipped with the necessary infrastructure and resources to create a conducive learning environment. Teachers’ salaries should be increased to attract and retain skilled professionals. Regular training and workshops should be mandatory for all teachers to keep them updated on best practices. To change societal perception, public awareness campaigns should be launched to highlight the importance of teachers and elevate their status in society.
The issues facing teachers and teaching in Nigeria are a significant contributing factor to the country’s education crisis. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from the government, private sector, and society at large.
