Education stakeholders have called for stronger government intervention in the welfare and working conditions of Nigerian teachers, warning that persistent challenges are discouraging some professionals from remaining in the teaching profession.
The call was made as teachers in Nigeria joined their counterparts around the world to mark this year’s World Teachers’ Day.
The stakeholders said improving the quality of education would be difficult without addressing the challenges confronting teachers, who play a central role in developing pupils’ knowledge, skills and values.
They also urged the Federal Government to consider establishing a dedicated commission to address issues affecting teachers, particularly their welfare and professional development.
The UNESCO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Isaias Barreto da Rosa, and other education stakeholders said teaching remained a critical profession in national development but required greater institutional support.
They noted that teachers influence the academic and personal development of pupils and students, making their welfare and working environment important to the future of the education sector.
Director of Colleges of Education, Dr Uchenna Uba, said the difficulties associated with the profession had contributed to some people abandoning teaching.
Educationist Dr Fadele Alaba also called for greater attention to the concerns of teachers, saying government policies should address the conditions under which they work.
The stakeholders said teaching could be fulfilling for professionals committed to the career but warned that poor conditions could undermine morale and make it difficult to retain experienced teachers.
They urged policymakers to move beyond celebrating teachers and take concrete steps to improve their welfare, professional status and working conditions.
Da Rosa and other respondents stressed the need for sustained government attention to the challenges facing teachers and the wider education system.
They expressed hope that the welfare of teachers and the future of education would receive greater priority in government policy, particularly as Nigeria seeks to improve learning outcomes across the country.
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