World Teachers’ Day: Stakeholders Decry Neglect, Poor Welfare of Nigerian Teachers
Story: written by Uzuh Rita October 13,2025
As Nigeria joined the global community to mark World Teachers’ Day 2025, the celebration was overshadowed by widespread complaints about the poor welfare and declining status of teachers across the country.
Despite assurances from the Federal Government to improve teachers’ recognition and working conditions, educators and stakeholders across various states lamented the persistent neglect of the teaching profession.
During a symposium held to commemorate the event, the Minister of Education, Maruf Olatunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, reiterated government’s pledge to enhance the welfare, professional growth, and recognition of teachers nationwide. The global theme for this year’s celebration was “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.”
However, education stakeholders and teachers’ unions used the occasion to express frustration over unfulfilled promises, poor pay, and the lack of modern teaching infrastructure that continue to hinder effective learning in Nigerian schools.
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Audu Amba, called on both federal and state governments to take concrete action to address the plight of teachers.
“Without deliberate investment in teachers, the future of education is at risk,” Amba said. “Government must increase budgetary allocations to education and create a conducive environment that supports learning and professional development.”
He praised Nigerian teachers for their resilience and patriotism, assuring them that the union would continue to advocate for fair treatment and recognition. “We will not relent until teachers are given their rightful place in society,” he added.
Across several states, governors also paid tribute to teachers for their dedication and sacrifice, describing them as the “backbone of national development.” They urged them to remain steadfast in their mission of nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools appealed to government at all levels to address the challenges confronting private educators, especially in taxation, welfare, and access to funding. “We are not in competition with public schools,” the association said, “but working together to ensure quality education reaches all children.”
Many teachers, however, painted a bleak picture of life in the classroom. They lamented poor remuneration, intimidation by school owners and parents, and a lack of societal respect for their profession.
Michael Divine, a chemistry and mathematics teacher with over 12 years of experience, said, “World Teachers’ Day should not even be celebrated in Nigeria. Teachers here are undervalued and treated without dignity. In some private schools, where students pay N200,000 in fees, teachers earn less than N50,000 monthly.”
Another teacher, Victor Ngbede, highlighted how parents often disrespect and harass teachers instead of appreciating their hard work. “Only a few parents truly value the efforts of teachers. Many come to schools only to argue or accuse teachers unfairly,” he said.
Samson Igwe, another educator, shared how societal discrimination against teachers extends to their personal lives. “Once people hear you’re a teacher, marriage proposals are rejected by families. Even philanthropists rarely assist teachers compared to other professionals,” he lamented.
Stakeholders agreed that unless urgent steps are taken to elevate the status and welfare of teachers, Nigeria’s education system will continue to suffer setbacks, threatening the future of millions of children who depend on them for knowledge and inspiration.
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