The Global Call for Collaborative Teaching and the Challenges in Nigeria
As the world observes World Teachers’ Day, there is a growing emphasis on the role of teachers as pivotal figures in shaping the future of education. Stakeholders from various global organizations have reiterated the importance of collective efforts to transform the global education landscape. This year’s theme, “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,” highlights the need for teachers to fully utilize their talents and receive the necessary support to achieve transformative outcomes.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), Education International, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) are leading this call. They emphasize that collaboration must become a norm within the teaching profession, as it is essential for building inclusive, equitable, and resilient education systems worldwide. These global bodies also stress that funding and welfare are crucial to making teaching a rewarding and results-oriented profession.
A Paradigm Shift in Education
Teachers, mentors, and drivers of learning, inclusion, and innovation are expected to harness their innate qualities, skills, talents, and vocation while collaborating with colleagues, schools, and education systems. This collaborative approach is seen as a necessary step toward transforming education globally. However, the reality on the ground presents significant challenges.
Despite the global recognition of the importance of education, many regions still lack the political will to make meaningful changes. The teacher deficit has reached 44 million globally, with Africa being the most affected. In Nigeria, the situation is particularly dire, with a teacher-pupil ratio of 35:1 in primary schools, far exceeding UNESCO’s recommendation of one teacher per 25 learners.
Rabia Adamu, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education, estimates that Nigeria needs 1.2 million teachers, with higher institutions facing student-teacher ratios ranging from 1:300 to 1:400. This shortage is compounded by poor training and inadequate resources, which hinder effective teaching and collaboration.
Funding and Policy Challenges
Funding remains a critical issue in Nigeria’s education system. While the Federal Government allocated N1.54 trillion for education in 2023 and N2.18 trillion in 2024, these amounts fall significantly short of UNESCO’s recommended 15 to 20 percent for developing countries. At the state level, the situation is equally concerning, with some states failing to meet even basic educational needs.
Enugu State Governor Peter Mba stands out as an exception, allocating 33 percent of the 2025 budget to education and launching the Enugu Smart Project to revolutionize the state’s education landscape. Other states must follow this example by investing more in education and ensuring proper implementation of policies.
However, many governors have not employed teachers in over a decade, leaving the burden on parent-teacher associations and alumni. The few available teachers are often poorly trained, unable to keep up with modern teaching methods, and unable to operate effectively within the framework of collaborative teaching.
Teacher Welfare and Brain Drain
Poor welfare and low salaries continue to plague the Nigerian education sector. A former Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University noted that a gardener in the United States earns more than a professor in Nigeria. This has contributed to a high rate of brain drain, with many qualified professionals leaving the country for better opportunities.
In contrast, Finland offers a model of excellence in education. Teachers in Finland require a master’s degree, earn between €32,000 and €41,000 annually, and enjoy private medical insurance. The value placed on teachers in Finland leads to greater respect for the profession, surpassing that of doctors and engineers.
Nigeria ranks 12th among African countries with the best education systems, but it still faces significant challenges. Countries like Seychelles, Tunisia, and Mauritius offer valuable lessons through their investment in education and strong policy frameworks.
The Path Forward
Collaboration must be driven by tangible results, not just for its own sake. Stakeholders and teachers must deliver in their respective domains to engage in fruitful collaboration. The three tiers of government must show leadership by setting the right policies and implementation frameworks.
Nigeria’s education system requires sweeping reforms to address critical issues and elevate the sector to an enviable status. Ministers of Education worldwide should meet at continental and global levels to strategize on implementing the themes of this year’s World Teachers’ Day and take education out of the woods.
