The Plights of Teachers in Africa

World Teacher’s Day

I assume that today, there will be lots of events by many educational stakeholders (Government and private) to commemorate the Teachers’ Day celebration, this show of love and support for teachers is highly commendable.

I want to use this day to speak out for teachers in Nigeria and across Africa. Being a teacher from this continent comes with lots of systematic challenges that have long remained with us.

The way a nation values education will indeed determine how teachers are valued. Education is still under contention in Africa, and I think the reason is that we (Africans) are still largely ignorant of how Nations are built. Politicians and policymakers speak so much about education but “actions show your true conviction.” After their many talks on education, we see no commensurate actions toward achieving quality education.

Today, teachers’ workload is heavy; teachers teach multiple subjects to different classes of about 60 students each. Our classrooms are still overpopulated and lacking major educational infrastructures; many public schools do not have a functional and equipped library. Students do not have enough textbooks and comfortable chairs. Classroom windows are shattered, and no?I.C.T facility. You need to see the staffroom of teachers in many schools.

Today, I.C.T is not taught in many schools, even as the world has moved into digital learning and economy. In 2021, the few computers in our schools operate on WINDOW XP.

What about insecurity? Schools are being attacked, teachers are being kidnapped and killed. No adequate teaching resources are available for teachers, poor salary, and employment benefits.

In the face of all these difficulties yet we (teachers) remain strong. It is inspiring when I see the zeal and dedication on the face of teachers every morning as I commute to work. I celebrate every teacher who has remained resilient this time in shaping the lives of children, the future of our nation.