Teachers across Nigeria have once again called on the government to improve their welfare and provide regular training opportunities. According to teachers and their unions, better working conditions and continuous professional development will help improve the quality of education in the country.
Many teachers say they are struggling due to low salaries, delayed payments, and poor motivation. Some report that they work for months without receiving their full wages, while others say their salaries are not enough to meet basic living needs. These challenges, they argue, affect their morale and make it difficult for them to give their best in the classroom.
Teaching is widely seen as one of the most important professions in any society. Teachers are responsible for shaping young minds and preparing students for the future. However, many teachers in Nigeria believe that their efforts are not properly valued. They say the lack of incentives and support has made the profession less attractive, especially to young graduates.
Teachers’ unions have explained that welfare goes beyond salary alone. They are also asking for better working environments, access to healthcare, housing support, and retirement benefits. According to union leaders, when teachers feel secure and respected, they are more likely to focus on their duties and deliver quality education.
Nigerian University
Another major concern raised by teachers is the lack of regular training opportunities. Education is constantly changing, with new teaching methods, technologies, and curriculum updates. Teachers say they need ongoing training to keep up with these changes and improve their skills.
Many teachers explain that without proper training, it becomes difficult to teach students effectively. Some are still using outdated methods because they have not been trained on modern teaching approaches. Others struggle to use digital tools that are now common in schools. Regular workshops, seminars, and refresher courses would help teachers improve their performance and confidence.
Education experts strongly agree with these concerns. They say teachers play a key role in national development and that no education system can be better than the quality of its teachers. Experts believe that investing in teachers is one of the most effective ways to improve learning outcomes and reduce problems in the education sector.
According to these experts, countries that prioritize teacher welfare and training often record better student performance. When teachers are well-trained and motivated, students are more engaged, disciplined, and eager to learn. This, in turn, leads to better examination results and overall educational growth.
Government representatives have acknowledged the concerns raised by teachers. They have stated that discussions are ongoing to improve teachers’ welfare and professional development. Officials say plans are being considered to gradually address salary issues and expand training programs across different states.
However, many teachers remain cautious. They say similar promises have been made in the past without full implementation. As a result, teachers’ unions are urging the government to take concrete actions rather than just making statements. They believe that clear policies and timelines will help rebuild trust between teachers and authorities.
Parents have also shown strong support for teachers’ demands. Many parents believe that motivated teachers have a positive impact on students’ academic performance and behavior. They note that when teachers are unhappy or stressed, it can affect the way lessons are delivered in the classroom.
Some parents have pointed out that improving teachers’ welfare will benefit not only educators but also students and society as a whole. They believe that better conditions will attract more qualified and passionate individuals into the teaching profession. This could help reduce teacher shortages and improve education standards nationwide.
Education stakeholders are calling for collaboration between the government, private sector, and development partners to support teachers. They say funding for education should be increased, with a clear focus on teacher welfare and training. Transparent management of resources is also seen as important to ensure that funds reach the intended beneficiaries.
As the calls continue, many Nigerians hope that the government will respond positively. Teachers believe that with better pay, improved working conditions, and regular training, they can perform their duties more effectively. Ultimately, they say, investing in teachers is an investment in the future of the nation.
For now, teachers, parents, and education experts continue to advocate for reforms that will strengthen the education system. They remain hopeful that meaningful changes will be implemented to support teachers and improve learning outcomes for students across Nigeria.
