Concern Grows Over Teaching Profession’s Worsening State in Nigeria

Prof. Ajiboye

Education expert, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye has expressed deep concern regarding the deteriorating state of the teaching profession in Nigeria.

Speaking at the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) International Teachers’ Day event in Abuja, Ajiboye highlighted the alarming decline in teacher status and interest among young Nigerians.

“Teaching, once regarded as a noble profession, is now facing an existential crisis in Nigeria,” he warned. “The alarming drop in interest in teaching as a career, along with the mass departure of qualified teachers, is a sign that urgent intervention is needed.”

Ajiboye, a former Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), noted that the profession is endangered due to poor treatment and lack of recognition and stressed that many experienced educators are leaving for other fields, exacerbating the crisis.

In his presentation titled “Valuing Teacher Voices: A Panacea for a Rejuvenated Teacher Education in Nigeria,” he urged authorities to involve teachers in shaping educational policies and curriculum. “It’s time to recognise the gravity of this issue and take immediate action to restore the dignity of teaching,” he stated.

He called for the establishment of a national teachers’ and caregivers’ welfare commission to address the specific needs of educators. “We need increased funding for education infrastructure and revised welfare policies,” Ajiboye added, advocating for mentorship programs to enhance leadership opportunities within schools.

Gom Mirian – Report

TETFund Urges Tertiary Institutions to Prioritize Student Skills

Arc. Sonny Echono,  Executive Secretary, TETFund

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund, (TETFund), has called on tertiary institutions to prioritise the training of students in new skills to stay competitive.

Executive Secretary Arc. Sonny Echono made the call at a workshop organized by TETFund on emerging areas of students’ needs in Abuja.

Echono explained that the Fund had introduced Career Services Centers to help students make informed decisions about their career paths. Stating, ” These centers provide information on job market trends, opportunities, requisite skills, alumni connections, counseling, guidance, and support.”

He also discussed a presidential directive on supporting teaching practice, expanding the allowance to include Faculties of Education in universities.

The National President of Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, Dr. Smart Olugbeko praised TETFund for implementing career centers and stressed the need to address student employability. 

He urged the centers to address the employability of students, as employers have expressed concerns in this area.

Prof Paulinus Okwelle of the National Commission for Colleges of Education emphasized the changing role of educators and the need for diverse teaching approaches. 

The workshop aimed to brainstorm areas of intervention that would benefit both institutions and students. Olugbeko urged the centers to focus on skills development and infrastructure uniformity for effective functionality.

Gom Mirian – Report