In Nigeria, the education system faces numerous challenges, some of which from time to time make international headlines. As a country with a population of over 220 million people, the responsibility of providing quality education falls on the federal, state, and local governments. However, the implementation of sound educational policies often falls short, leading to a myriad of issues – including teacher shortage and school safety- that affect both teachers and students. We spoke to the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Secretary General, Dr. Clinton Ikpitibo, to get his perspective.
The role of several administrations in education
The NUT leader highlighted the complexities of Nigeria's education system. The federal government is responsible for developing policies and setting standards, while state governments oversee primary and basic education. Unfortunately, this division of responsibilities often leads to inconsistencies in policy implementation. Dr. Ikpitibo explains: "One thing we see about education in Nigeria is that the policies are very fine, but implementation is always a problem". The lack of funding from the government has driven many parents to seek education outside the public school system, increasing privatization of the education sector.
Teacher shortage due to insufficient funding
According to Dr. Ikpitibo, one of the major issues facing Nigeria's education system is the inadequate funding for primary education. Despite a Supreme Court judgment in 2002 that placed the responsibility of paying teachers' salaries on state governments, a policy shift has made it the exclusive responsibility of local governments. This has led to financial strain on local councils, resulting in poorly paid teachers and a shortage of qualified educators.
In response to these challenges, the NUT has been actively campaigning against the privatization and commercialization of education for many years. Last year, a significant milestone was achieved when union leaders from all 36 states gathered in the capital city Abuja for a capacity-building workshop.
The Education International’s "Go Public! Fund Education" campaign was launched in the country on 2024 World Teacher's Day, October 5th, aiming to promote public education, secure better funding for schools, teachers and education support personnel.
To address the shortage of teachers, NUT successfully pushed for a parliamentary bill that extended the retirement age of teachers from 60 to 65 years. This move aims to retain experienced teachers in the workforce and mitigate the impact of the funding crisis. Additionally, NUT has been working with civil society organizations like Action Aid and Plan International Nigeria to advocate for progressive taxation and domestic financing for education.
Insecurity and its harmful impact on education
Insecurity also remains a significant challenge for Nigeria's education system, particularly in the northern regions, Dr. Ikpitibo underlined. Schools have been targeted by insurgents, leading to closures and attacks on teachers and students. The "Safe Schools Initiative," launched in 2014 at the World Economic Forum on Africa by a coalition of Nigerian business leaders, working with the UN Special Envoy for Global Education Gordon Brown, A World at School and The Global Business Coalition for Education, aims to protect schools and ensure the safety of the school community in this country. It was set up in response to the growing number of attacks on the right to education, including the kidnapping of more than 200 girls in northern Nigeria. The threat of violence is nevertheless still very much present in many Nigerian regions, affecting the morale and safety of educators and students alike. For the NUT leader, “it is therefore challenging to be a teacher in Nigeria, honestly”.
The Nigerian teachers’ passion for their profession
Despite these challenges, Nigerian teachers remain dedicated to their profession. Dr. Ikpitibo emphasized that many teachers view their work as a calling rather than just a job: "It is a joy to be a teacher and to be in the school system and the communities, particularly the localities, sometimes recognize that fact. Teachers are given that recognition and respect as people". The teachers’ commitment to the future of their students and the development of society is unwavering, and teachers in Nigeria continue to work tirelessly, often in difficult conditions, to provide quality education to the next generation, he adds.
The education crisis in Nigeria is a complex issue that requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders. Teacher unionists play a crucial role in advocating for better funding, improved working conditions, and the protection of schools. As the NUT continues its campaigns and advocacy, the support and collaboration of international allies will be essential in ensuring that the impact of these efforts is felt across the country, Dr. Ikpitibo concluded.