The State of Nigeria’s Education Sector: A Call for Immediate Action
As the world celebrated World Teachers’ Day in 2025, Nigeria joined in recognizing the vital role teachers play in shaping the future. However, this year’s celebration was marked by a deep concern over the deteriorating state of the education sector. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and education experts highlighted several critical issues, including an acute shortage of qualified teachers, poor welfare conditions, and inadequate funding.
Teacher Shortages: A Growing Crisis
Speaking at the event held in Eagle Square, Abuja, NUT National President Comrade Audu Titus Amba emphasized the alarming teacher shortage in public primary schools, citing a deficit of 194,876 teachers. He noted that the situation in secondary schools is equally concerning, with far-reaching implications for the quality of education and learning outcomes.
Amba warned that the current manpower crisis threatens Nigeria’s progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which focuses on inclusive and equitable quality education. He urged all levels of government to act decisively to address this issue.
Unfulfilled Promises and Welfare Concerns
Amba also expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises to improve teachers’ welfare. Despite commitments made since 2020, many incentives remain unimplemented. These include a special salary scale, harmonized retirement age, and low-cost housing for rural teachers. Only the new retirement age of 65 years has been implemented in 22 states and the FCT.
The union also raised concerns about the implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage, noting that ten states had not fully adopted it, while four were yet to begin. Additionally, the NUT pointed out that Nigeria continues to fall below international standards for education funding, allocating less than the recommended 4-6% of GDP or 15-20% of total public expenditure.
Challenges in Funding and Implementation
Amba revealed that as of March 2024, approximately N54 billion in matching grants from the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme remained unaccessed by some states and the FCT due to failure to meet counterpart funding requirements. This lack of access has further hindered efforts to strengthen basic education and improve teaching conditions.
The NUT also condemned the Edo State Government’s decision to hand over some public schools to private institutions and voluntary agencies, calling it a step that undermines the principles of free and universal education. The union argued that such actions threaten accessibility and equity, particularly for vulnerable groups like girls, children with disabilities, and those in rural areas.
Teacher Shortages: Causes and Consequences
Mr. Bobby Winful of Federal Government Boys College, Abuja, attributed the teacher shortage to poor welfare packages and a declining number of certified teachers entering the profession. He highlighted that many teachers go without salaries for extended periods, and students are increasingly avoiding studying education due to poor working conditions.
Dr. Mary Chinwuba, Director of Chalcedony Group of Schools, linked the shortage to burnout and poor working conditions, urging urgent measures to improve teachers’ welfare. She called for increased salaries, better working conditions, and improved support systems to retain experienced staff.
Mrs. Adadazu Nengi, Director of Tekash Group of Schools, blamed the situation on the influx of unqualified individuals into the teaching profession. She noted that many teachers are not interested in the job, and even those who are often lack the necessary qualifications.
Ms. Adaora Nwafor of Funtaj International School observed that the teaching profession has lost its prestige, with many people reluctant to identify as teachers due to low pay and poor perception of the job. She stressed the need for health insurance schemes, housing allowances, and other incentives to attract and retain qualified teachers.
Government Initiatives and Collaborative Efforts
In his keynote address, Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa reaffirmed the government’s recognition of teachers as the foundation of national progress. He outlined several reforms aimed at revitalizing the profession, including the National Teacher Policy, TRCN’s regulatory oversight, and NTI’s continuous professional development.
Alausa encouraged collaboration between teacher unions, parents, community leaders, and development partners to achieve the goals of the Education for Renewed Hope Agenda and SDG 4. Similarly, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance the teaching profession through digital literacy initiatives and professional learning communities.
Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, called for renewed efforts to support teachers through professional development and policy implementation, emphasizing that when Nigerian teachers thrive, our children learn better and our nation becomes stronger.
Recognizing Outstanding Leadership
Meanwhile, four governors were honored for their contributions to improving teacher welfare and education delivery in their respective states. The award ceremony recognized the Governors of Katsina, Adamawa, Kogi, and Delta States for implementing teacher-friendly policies, expanding access to education, and enhancing the teaching and learning environment.
Each governor received accolades for their specific achievements, including teacher recruitment, infrastructure development, and improved welfare packages. Their efforts have significantly contributed to creating a more supportive environment for educators and students alike.
