By Ajibola Adedoye
As the world marks World Teachers’ Day 2025 with the theme “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,” Nigerian educators are calling for renewed attention to teacher welfare, training, and policy consistency—emphasizing that teachers remain the nation’s most vital architects of progress.
Speaking in an interview to commemorate the global day, Dr. Ayedun Segun Isaiah, an educationist, broadcaster, and former Quality Assurance Supervisor with Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), described teachers as “change agents whose influence extends far beyond the classroom.”
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According to him, “Teachers are the nation builders. Without teachers, there can be no education—and without education, no nation can thrive. Teachers mold minds, instill values, and build the moral and intellectual foundation of society.”
Dr. Ayedun, who also serves as the National President of the National Association of Public Affairs Analysts, explained that teachers play crucial roles in mentoring young people, promoting civic values, and fostering community development. However, he lamented that Nigerian teachers face significant challenges such as inadequate funding, low salaries, poor working conditions, and policy inconsistency.
“The Nigerian government needs to change its attitude towards educational planning and policy execution. The 2025 education budget allocation of 7.2% is far below UNESCO’s 26% recommendation. This shortfall reflects a systemic neglect that affects every level of teaching and learning,” he said.
He urged the government to invest in continuous teacher development, resuscitate teacher training colleges, and prioritize digital literacy for both teachers and students.
“Teachers must be empowered with modern tools, training, and resources to meet today’s digital demands. When teachers are well-trained and motivated, they will raise a generation that can think critically, innovate, and lead,” he added.
“Teachers Need Estates, Not Excuses” — SCP Olagbegi Moses
Echoing similar concerns, SCP Olagbegi Moses, a lecturer at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and proprietor of God’s Domain Global Academy in Ogun State, described teacher welfare as the “heart of education reform.”
According to him, many teachers in Nigeria spend over half of their income on transportation alone, leaving little for research, personal development, or family needs.
“How can teachers be expected to produce sound learners when they themselves are struggling to survive? Teachers should have access to affordable housing, electricity, and internet connectivity to support their work and continuous learning,” he emphasized.
Moses noted that government policies have failed to make the teaching profession attractive, leading to a shortage of quality educators and declining public perception of the profession.
“In the past, the brightest minds became teachers. Today, many see teaching as a last resort. The government must restore dignity to the profession by ensuring teachers are among the best-paid professionals in the country,” he said.
He also advocated for consistent training programs and mentorship systems to equip teachers with new teaching methods, while encouraging government collaboration with private organizations and communities to provide resources and incentives.
Towards a Brighter Future for Education
Both educationists agreed that the future of teaching in Nigeria remains bright—if urgent reforms are implemented. Increased funding, improved working conditions, digital literacy, and teacher empowerment are seen as key to unlocking the potential of the sector.
“Let’s celebrate our teachers and show them that we value their hard work and sacrifices,” Dr. Ayedun concluded.
“When teachers are respected and supported, nations thrive,” Moses affirmed.
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