By Osita Biose
AS Delta State marks its 33rd anniversary on August 27, 2024, it’s not just a time for fanfare but also reflection. Among the state’s many achievements, one group of unsung heroes stands out—those who have tirelessly shaped the minds and attitudes of generations: the teachers.
For over three decades, Delta’s educators have dedicated themselves to molding the future, laying the foundation for countless bright futures.
The Backbone of Delta’s Education
Despite facing an array of challenges, from limited resources to evolving educational demands, Delta’s teachers have remained the backbone of the state’s education system. They’ve navigated these hurdles with unwavering commitment, ensuring that their students stay competitive and ready to tackle the world.
The road hasn’t been easy. With scarce resources and aging infrastructure, Delta’s teachers have often found themselves in less-than-ideal circumstances. Yet, they’ve persevered, embracing new technologies and innovative teaching methods to keep pace with the changing times. Their resilience and adaptability have kept Delta’s students at the forefront of educational excellence.
The Nigerian Teacher: A Martyr of the System
In Nigeria, choosing a profession often boils down to two things: passion and pay. Teachers, like any other professionals, hope to find fulfillment in their jobs while earning enough to live comfortably. But for many Nigerian teachers, this dream remains elusive.
Teachers in Nigeria operate in a challenging environment. Their salaries are meager, often delayed, and they lack the modern tools needed to teach effectively. Yet, when student performance falters, teachers are the first to be blamed. Despite these hurdles, they continue to show up, driven by a hope that one day, things might improve.
Over the years, the plight of Nigerian teachers has only worsened. The long-standing demand for a Teachers’ Salary Structure (TSS), which began in 1992, was finally approved in 2003. Yet, over two decades later, little progress has been made in its implementation. Teachers are marginalized and mistreated, feeling relegated to the sidelines in a profession that should be celebrated.
If the government doesn’t act quickly to implement the agreed-upon salary scale, the ‘Japa’ syndrome—where talented professionals leave the country in search of better opportunities—may intensify among teachers. According to Julius Nyerere, “It is teachers who, more than any other group, determine the attitudes and shape the ideas and aspirations of a nation.” If we continue to neglect our teachers, we risk turning them from nation-builders into creators of societal problems.
Teachers deserve more empathy than anyone else in Nigeria. Their salaries are not only inadequate, but the social stigma attached to the teaching profession further compounds their struggles. While low-level politicians and even thugs are often celebrated, teachers are ridiculed and undervalued.
The Future of Education in Nigeria
The way the Nigerian government handles teachers’ welfare speaks volumes about its commitment to education. Without well-supported teachers, there can be no well-educated workforce. Every professional in Nigeria today owes their success to a teacher, yet those same teachers are being left behind.
In countries where teachers are valued and well-compensated, the profession attracts and retains the best minds. If Nigeria continues down its current path, it risks losing not just its teachers, but the future of its education system.
