Celebrating Teachers Day: The Reality and Struggles of Teachers, Especially in Nigeria

Every October 5, the world pauses to celebrate World Teachers’ Day, honouring the invaluable role teachers play in shaping society. In Nigeria, the celebration holds special significance as teachers navigate a unique set of challenges while striving to build the nation’s future. While the day is filled with tributes and accolades, it also provides an opportunity to reflect on the reality and struggles faced by these unsung heroes.

The Backbone of Society

Teachers are often called the backbone of any society because they lay the foundation for intellectual growth, moral integrity, and social development. From early childhood to higher education, their influence extends beyond textbooks. As Nobel laureate Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Teachers wield this weapon daily, often with little recognition or reward.

In Nigeria, teachers work in an environment where the demands of their profession are at odds with the resources available to them. They are expected to mould the minds of the future, yet they struggle with outdated curricula, overcrowded classrooms, insufficient infrastructure, and meager salaries. Despite these challenges, they continue to show up, driven by passion and a sense of purpose.

Underfunding and Poor Infrastructure

The Nigerian education system suffers from chronic underfunding, which directly impacts the quality of teaching. Schools in rural and urban areas alike often lack the basic infrastructure needed for effective learning. Teachers in some public schools find themselves in classrooms without desks, chairs, or even chalkboards. Many are forced to improvise, teaching under trees or in makeshift structures. The harsh reality is that the government’s allocation to education remains far below the UNESCO-recommended benchmark of 26% of a nation’s budget.

Take for example, Mrs. Adebayo, a primary school teacher in Ekiti State. She teaches in a dilapidated classroom with over 50 students packed into a space meant for 30. Despite her efforts to create a nurturing learning environment, she admits that the lack of resources takes a toll on both her and her students. “I love teaching,” she says, “but it breaks my heart when I see my students struggling to learn because we don’t even have enough textbooks.”

Low Wages, High Expectations

In many parts of the world, teachers are poorly paid compared to other professionals, and Nigeria is no exception. According to a report by the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), the average teacher earns between ₦18,000 and ₦60,000 monthly, a salary barely sufficient to cover basic living expenses. This has led many teachers to take up additional jobs to make ends meet, affecting their ability to dedicate themselves fully to their students.

Mr. Chinedu, a secondary school teacher in Lagos, describes the financial strain. “We are expected to give our best in the classroom, but when you are constantly worried about how to feed your family or pay your rent, it’s difficult to focus. I love my students, but sometimes I feel like I’m running on empty.”

This issue of low wages is compounded by delayed payments. In some states, teachers go months without receiving their salaries, leading to protests and strikes. Despite promises from various governments, the situation remains dire, with many educators feeling undervalued and neglected.

Emotional and Psychological Stress

The emotional and psychological toll of teaching, especially in underfunded systems, cannot be overstated. Teachers often play multiple roles: they are educators, counselors, and role models. They are expected to cater to the emotional and academic needs of their students, sometimes at the expense of their own mental health.

One Lagos-based teacher shared her experience of working in an environment where students come from broken homes, and she often acts as their support system. “It’s hard,” she says, “You want to be there for them, but after a while, it starts to weigh you down. You go home drained, physically and emotionally.”

Strikes as a Last Resort

Over the years, Nigerian teachers have resorted to strikes to demand better working conditions, higher wages, and timely payments. These strikes disrupt the academic calendar, affecting not just the teachers but also the students. While critics argue that strikes harm the education system, teachers defend them as a necessary means to call attention to their plight.

“We don’t enjoy striking,” explains Mr. Okonkwo, a teacher in Enugu. “But when you’ve gone six months without a salary and no one is listening, what else can you do? It’s not just about us; it’s about the future of our students too.”

The Joy of Teaching

Despite the struggles, many Nigerian teachers remain committed to their profession. The joy of seeing a student succeed, of watching a young mind grasp a difficult concept, or of hearing a simple “thank you” from a grateful parent keeps them going. They understand the magnitude of their responsibility and, in their quiet resilience, continue to plant seeds of knowledge, hoping they will grow into trees of wisdom in the future.

Government Initiatives and Hope for the Future

There have been efforts to improve the state of education in Nigeria. For instance, some state governments have implemented teacher training programs to help educators improve their skills. Others have introduced incentive schemes to reward outstanding teachers, such as the President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Award (PTSEA), which celebrates exceptional contributions to education.

While these initiatives are steps in the right direction, they are not enough. Teachers need more than recognition on one day of the year. They need consistent support, better wages, improved working conditions, and timely payment of their salaries to thrive in their profession.

As we celebrate Teachers’ Day, let us not only honor the dedication and hard work of Nigerian teachers but also commit to supporting them in meaningful ways. Let us advocate for better funding for education, timely payment of salaries, and a more conducive learning environment for both teachers and students.

As the saying goes, “If you can read this, thank a teacher.” For every lesson taught and every life impacted, Nigerian teachers deserve more than just our gratitude—they deserve a system that values their contributions and supports their growth. Only then can we truly say we are investing in the future of our nation.