As World Teachers’ Day is marked globally on October 5, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Public Schools (ANCOPPS) have jointly urged the government to address the pressing need for infrastructure and learning materials in basic and secondary schools across the country.

Despite facing numerous challenges in the education sector, both unions are determined to celebrate the resilience and perseverance of teachers who continue to work under difficult conditions. The theme for this year’s World Teachers’ Day, according to UNESCO’s website, is “Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education,” emphasizing the crucial role teachers play in shaping the future of education and the importance of including their perspectives in policy-making.

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Dr. Mike Ike-Ene, emphasized that teachers deserve recognition for their dedication, especially given the stressful conditions they face. He called on the government to provide adequate infrastructure and essential materials to improve learning environments in schools.

“Teachers deserve global celebration. While reflecting on their contributions, it’s important for them to recognize the impact they have had on their students and society. However, the question remains: Is their compensation fair in relation to the value they provide?” Ike-Ene asked.

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He pointed out the inadequate pay many teachers still receive, particularly in primary schools where some struggle to earn even the minimum wage of ₦30,000. He also highlighted the poor working conditions in rural areas, where overcrowded classrooms and lack of basic supplies make the job even more challenging.

“The government must invest in infrastructure and provide essential learning tools like chalk, boards, books, and pens. It is demoralizing for teachers to spend their own meager salaries on these supplies. Without proper investment in education, little progress can be made,” he said.

Ike-Ene also lamented that promises made to teachers by former President Muhammadu Buhari during the 2020 World Teachers’ Day celebrations had largely gone unfulfilled. These promises included better wages, improved pensions, and enhanced working conditions for teachers, yet many have seen little change.

Similarly, Musa Ibrahim, President of the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Public Schools, echoed these sentiments, reaffirming the determination of teachers to celebrate their perseverance despite the challenges. “We will continue to encourage our teachers to persevere because we cannot stop teaching. Our children need education, even in the face of these difficulties,” Ibrahim stated.

Both unions maintain that while they have repeatedly called on the government to address these issues, little has been done to resolve them. Nonetheless, they remain committed to celebrating the profession and continuing to push for improvements in Nigeria’s educational system.