Save Our Teachers (SOT): Prioritizing the Welfare of Our Teachers in Nigeria

Introduction: Teaching is considered one of the noblest professions in the world. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most challenging professions, especially in Nigeria. In recent times, teachers in the country have faced various forms of intimidation, exploitation, and disrespect, which have become a significant concern. Teachers play a critical role in shaping the future of the country. However, the teaching profession in Nigeria, particularly in private schools, is plagued by numerous challenges, with teachers bearing the brunt of it all. From intimidation to exploitation, resulting in a decline in the quality of their performances. This article seeks to shed light on the pressing need to prioritize the welfare of teachers and revolutionize the education system in Nigeria, particularly in private organizations.

Intimidation of Teachers by Students: Insults and Disrespect

Teachers have always been the subject of intimidation by their students, but in recent times, the level of disrespect has taken a new dimension. One particular form of intimidation that has become prevalent in Nigeria is the insult of teachers by parents who feel that their children are being unfairly corrected. The situation is made worse when the parents are backed by the school owner, who is more interested in protecting the revenue stream than supporting the teachers.

This form of intimidation has serious consequences for the morale of teachers and the quality of education being provided to the students. It is essential to understand that teachers correct students not to humiliate them but to guide them and ensure that they learn from their mistakes. However, when parents take offense at their children being corrected, they often resort to insulting the teachers, calling them names, and undermining their authority. This situation is particularly prevalent in private schools where parents believe that they have the right to dictate how their children are being taught.

Unfortunately, in many cases, the school owner supports the parents' behaviour because they do not want to lose the revenue generated by the parents' fees. This lack of support and protection by the school management leaves teachers vulnerable and demoralized, leading to a decline in their performance.

The intimidation of teachers by students, particularly through insults and disrespect from parents, is a prevalent problem in Nigeria private schools. It is essential that the school management prioritizes the welfare of teachers and creates a conducive environment for teaching and learning. Teachers must be supported and protected from intimidation to enable them to perform at their best and provide the quality education that Nigerian students deserve.

Intimidation of teachers by students is a serious issue that affects the quality of education. Teachers are supposed to be in a position of authority, guiding and nurturing students towards a brighter future. However, when students become unruly and intimidate their teachers, it undermines the authority of the teacher and can lead to a breakdown in discipline and order in the classroom.

Exploitation of Teachers by School Owners:

The exploitation of teachers by school owners in Nigeria is a major concern that needs urgent attention too. In addition to low salaries and poor working conditions, some private school owners even expect their teachers to perform non-teaching duties for them in other to justify their pay. This unfair treatment of teachers affects their morale and performance, leading to a negative impact on the quality of education provided to students.

It is crucial for the government to step in and regulate the operations of private schools to protect the welfare of teachers. Adequate salary structures and working conditions should be put in place to ensure that teachers are motivated to give their best. School owners should also be held accountable for their actions, and there should be consequences for exploiting and mistreating teachers.

Some private school owners in Nigeria resort to unlawful means of sanctioning their employees when they speak out against poor working conditions or delayed salaries. Instead of using legal means of disciplining staff, such as warnings or suspension, some school owners' resort to deducting salaries, which is against labour laws. This practice further exploits teachers and makes it difficult for them to make ends meet. It is essential for the Nigerian government to enforce labour laws that protect teachers' rights and prevent exploitative practices by private school owners. Without these protections, teachers will continue to suffer in silence, and the education system will continue to suffer from high rates of turnover and low morale among teachers.

The Consequences of Intimidation and Exploitation of Teachers:

The consequences of the intimidation and exploitation of teachers in Nigeria are far-reaching. Firstly, it leads to a decline in the quality of education offered in the country. Teachers who are demotivated and overworked are unlikely to teach effectively, and this negatively impacts the quality of education. Secondly, it perpetuates the cycle of poverty in the country. Teachers who are underpaid and subject to poor working conditions cannot provide for their families adequately. This cycle of poverty affects their children's education and perpetuates the problem of poor education in Nigeria.

Thirdly, the intimidation and exploitation of teachers also affect the mental and physical health of the teachers. Constant fear of losing their jobs or being subjected to salary deductions can cause immense stress and anxiety. The poor working conditions can also lead to physical health problems, such as back pains, eye strains, and respiratory problems, among others. Fourthly, it contributes to the brain drain in the education sector. Qualified and experienced teachers often leave the country in search of better opportunities, leaving behind a gap in the education sector. Finally, it creates a negative work environment for teachers, leading to low morale and a lack of job satisfaction. This, in turn, affects the retention of good teachers and exacerbates the problem of a shortage of quality teachers in the country.

The Urgent Need to Save Our Teachers:

There is an urgent need to save teachers in Nigeria from the challenges they face. The Nigerian government should prioritize the welfare of teachers and ensure that they are treated with respect and dignity. School owners should also be held accountable for their actions and should be made to prioritize the welfare of their teachers. Teachers should be allowed to discipline students who misbehave or insult them following approved disciplinary measures without the fear of losing their jobs. This will help to improve the quality of education and reduce the rate of teacher turnover.

Furthermore, the Nigerian government and school owners can learn from international best practices in the teaching profession. For example, in Germany, teaching is regarded as a noble profession, and teachers are respected for their work. The German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, once said, "The education and training of children and young people is one of the most important tasks of our society. It is the teachers who assume this task and thus a crucial role for our future. We owe them our respect and our support." This shows the importance placed on teachers and the crucial role they play in shaping the future of a country.

Implementing policies and practices that prioritize the welfare and respect of teachers can go a long way in improving the education sector in Nigeria. Teachers should be provided with adequate training, resources, and support to help them carry out their jobs effectively. Additionally, the government should work towards increasing the budget allocation for education to ensure that teachers in public schools are well compensated and that the education system receives the necessary resources to function optimally.

-Saving our Teachers- is crucial to improving the quality of education in Nigeria. The government, school owners, and society as a whole should prioritize the welfare and respect of teachers and work towards implementing policies and practices that align with international best practices.

Conclusion: Teachers in Nigeria face various challenges, including intimidation and exploitation, which have far-reaching consequences. It is crucial that the Nigerian government takes urgent action to save our teachers and address the challenges they face. Teachers should be treated with respect and dignity, and school owners should be held accountable for their actions. The welfare of teachers should be prioritized to improve the quality of education and reduce the rate of teacher turnover.

Additionally, it is essential for private school owners to provide good training and professional development opportunities for their teachers. This will not only improve the quality of education offered but also enhance the skills and expertise of teachers, making them better equipped to handle the challenges they face in the classroom. Teachers play a vital role in shaping the future of the nation, and it is imperative that they are given the support they need to carry out their noble and divine profession effectively. By prioritizing the welfare of teachers, Nigeria can take a significant step towards improving the standard of education in the country and building a brighter future for generations to come.

"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops."

- Henry Adams

"The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery."

- Mark Van Doren

Written by: Dr. Jude Akubude