Several experts and studies point to the undervaluing of teachers as a core reason for the poor standards of education in Nigeria. This issue is multifaceted and includes low pay, poor working conditions, and a lack of social respect for the teaching profession.
Key Factors and Expert Insights
- Low Remuneration and Welfare: Human resources expert Yomi Fawehinmi and academic Adeyemi Anjorin Ezekiel have both highlighted that teachers in Nigeria are among the lowest-paid professionals. Fawehinmi noted that someone in education can earn about 25% less than their colleagues with the same degree in other fields. This financial neglect leads to a lack of job satisfaction, which, in turn, impacts the quality of education delivered.
- Perception and Professional Status: The teaching profession in Nigeria is often seen as a last resort for individuals who couldn’t gain admission into more competitive programs. This perception, coupled with low pay, discourages top-performing students from pursuing a career in education. In contrast, countries with high-performing education systems, like South Korea and Finland, attract their most brilliant minds to the teaching profession.
- Gender Bias: Experts like Fawehinmi also suggest that a global gender bias contributes to the undervaluation of the teaching profession. They argue that professions with a higher percentage of women, such as teaching and nursing, tend to be overlooked and underpaid.
- Lack of Training and Development: Many Nigerian teachers are underqualified and lack access to continuous professional development. This absence of ongoing training means they are unable to update their skills or learn new, effective teaching strategies, which is critical for student performance. Studies have shown a positive correlation between well-trained teachers and improved academic outcomes for students.
- Systemic Failures: Poor education standards are not solely the fault of teachers. UNESCO and other experts emphasize that education is a shared responsibility. The government is often blamed for inadequate funding, corruption, and a failure to provide basic infrastructure and learning materials. The lack of proper funding and a flawed system of accountability create a cycle of neglect that directly impacts teacher morale and, ultimately, the quality of instruction.
- Negative Impact on Students: The consequences of undervaluing teachers are evident in the poor learning outcomes of many students. Experts have observed a visible decline in comprehension and reasoning skills among young Nigerians, which they directly link to inadequate teaching.
In summary, the consensus among experts is that until teachers are treated as professionals, with adequate pay, opportunities for training, and social respect, the Nigerian education system will continue to struggle. A holistic approach that addresses the systemic issues of poor funding, lack of infrastructure, and teacher welfare is necessary to raise educational standards.
