The Forgotten Workforce: We Must Prioritize Teachers’ Welfare

The Forgotten Workforce: We Must Prioritize Teachers’ Welfare is a call to action for all the stakeholders in the Education industry.

Teaching is undoubtedly one of the noblest professions, and it is a pillar supporting the entire fabric of any society. 

Teachers shape future generations’ minds, influencing academic success and personal and social growth. 

However, the revered profession of teaching is not receiving the recognition it deserves, especially regarding fair compensation and welfare. 

Teachers deserve more, considering the crippling effect of low Pay on the education.

It must be said that teachers are among the lowest paid grade, and this grossly inadequate remuneration package is not only harming their well-being, but is also detrimentally affecting the quality of education.

The Struggles of Teachers

Let’s take Nigeria for example, a survey by the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics reveals that the average salary of a Nigerian teacher, especially those in public schools, is often lower than the national minimum wage. 

While the national minimum wage in Nigeria is around ₦70,000 per month, many teachers earn below this amount, particularly those in rural or underfunded regions. 

This leaves them struggling to meet their basic needs, from transportation to feeding their families.

In contrast, countries like South Korea and Finland, which consistently top global education rankings, invest heavily in teachers. 

In Finland, for instance, teachers are highly respected professionals with competitive salaries, which are a reflection of the quality and value placed on education. 

In Nigeria and other developing countries, however, teachers often have to take up second jobs just to make ends meet, leaving little time to focus on what matters to their students.

The Forgotten Workforce: We Must Prioritize Teachers’ Welfare

Impact of Poor Remuneration on the Quality of Education

The impact of poor poor remuneration extends far beyond the individual teacher’s struggles, it directly affects the quality of education students receive. 

Teachers, who are the backbone of the education system, are disheartened by the constant battle to make a living. 

Their low pay undermines their morale and hampers their ability to be as effective in the classroom as they could be.

For example, many teachers resort to out-of-pocket expenditures for teaching materials, creating additional financial strain.

In some cases, they even struggle to fund their professional development. 

Without the financial stability to attend conferences, workshops or courses that would improve their skills, teachers are left with outdated methods, further limiting the quality of education they provide.

Moreover, when teachers are not paid enough, they are forced to focus on multiple jobs just to survive, making their work in the classroom a secondary concern. 

This situation leads to burnout, with some teachers showing little enthusiasm or passion for their work. 

In a report that has gone viral in most Nigerian national dailies, a teacher in Lagos described that “his salary doesn’t even cover transportation costs, and that’s before considering rent, food and his children’s education.” 

A teacher working in such conditions cannot be expected to deliver their very best in the classroom.

Attracting Young Talent to Teaching

Another critical issue is the difficulty in attracting young, talented labour force to the teaching profession. 

The low salary and limited career progression discourage young people from choosing teaching as a career path. 

The best and brightest are more likely to pursue fields in banking, technology, or mostly medicine, where the financial rewards are far more attractive.

The education system needs a constant influx of fresh ideas, energy and passion, but this is difficult to achieve when teaching is seen as an unattractive option for the youth. 

If the government invests in improving teachers’ pay, it could serve as a strong incentive for young workforce to pursue teaching as a long-term career, knowing they will be financially supported while shaping the future of the country.

The Forgotten Workforce: We Must Prioritize Teachers’ Welfare

The Call for Government Intervention

The government must take immediate action to rectify this situation. 

Education should be at the forefront of any government’s  national development agenda, and this means valuing the educators who shape the minds of the next generation. 

Increasing teacher remuneration package is not just a moral obligation but a practical necessity for the growth of the country.

Imagine a scenario where teachers , especially in the developing countries, are paid competitive salaries comparable to those in more developed countries.

They would have been more motivated to research best teaching practices, develop creative lesson plans and build better relationships with their students. 

They would no longer be overburdened with the stress of financial instability, allowing them to focus on the bigger picture and deliver a reading-quality a reading education.

An increase in teacher salaries could also lead to a rejuvenation of the profession. 

As more young labour force enter the teaching profession, the overall quality of education in the country would improve dramatically, leading to a more competitive workforce in the future. 

The Forgotten Workforce: We Must Prioritize Teachers’ Welfare

Admit You Are Part Of Nigeria’s Problem – Akande

The Forgotten Workforce: We Must Prioritize Teachers’ Welfare

The Road to Change

In conclusion, in most developing countries, the current state of educational system is inextricably linked to the poor treatment of its teachers. 

Low salaries have led to low morale, a shortage of new talent and a degradation in the quality of education. 

If government is serious about advancing its education sector and empowering the next generation, it must prioritize the welfare of its teachers.

By increasing teacher welfare package, the government will not only show respect for the profession but will also lay the foundation for a brighter, more educated future. 

It’s time for Nigeria to recognize that investing in teachers is investing in the country’s most valuable resource!!! 

The Forgotten Workforce: We Must Prioritize Teachers’ Welfare