EducationOpinions

Who Wants to be a Teacher?

By Prince Olalekan Olagunju

At this point in time, it will not be an overstatement to say that the state of education system in Nigeria is at low ebb. Concerned stakeholders are reasonably bothered about the pitiable situation in the sector. Without doubt, every patriot must be anxious about the disturbing state of education system in our nation. If we are to accomplish reasonable scientific and technological landmarks, attain national development, achieve Millennium Development Goals (MGDs) among others, there is a need to do something radical about the declining fortune of our education system.

The theme for year 2023 World Teachers Day, is “The teachers we need for education we want”: “The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage”    

To be candid, Nigeria is making progress in education sector, but governments need to do more. Education should be given priority in our fiscal policy and budgeting.

Some have, indeed, demanded that a “State of Emergency” be declared in the sector while others have called for the setting up of a “Firebrand Task Force” to deal with the nose-diving fortune of education sector in the country. Whatever it is that is eventually done, the reality is that the education sector needs urgent attention.

A majority of Nigerian graduates are unemployable because of the inconsistencies and instability in the sector. We should not be abashed at this revelation. Since we have placed little value on our schools and teachers over the past decades, we should not expect anything different. It is an undeniable truth that education and national development are complementary.

Therefore, it should not be surprising that we are lagging behind in so many critical areas when compared with nations such as Singapore, India, Malaysia, Ghana, and Trinidad and Tobago, to mention but a few among nations with whom we attained political independence around the same time.

The way people perceive teacher vary from one society and culture to the other. To the Jews, he is known as “Rabbi” (the great scholar) while Indians refer to him as “Brahman” (the esteemed one). In Athens, he is referred to as ‘prodigy’, that is, the most intelligent one in the community while in Rome; a teacher is a ‘pedagogo’, meaning a slave whose duty is to teach the young ones.

Back home in Nigeria, it is believed in some quarters that teachers are generally wretched and miserly persons who measure yams with a ruler or foodstuff such as garri (cassava flour), rice, beans, etc. so as to determine the quantity to be cooked.

As evident in our society, teachers are usually sneered at for their not too comfortable and favourable social status. Worst still, while others readily get their own share of the national cake while still alive, teachers are to wait for their own reward in heaven! Holding back teachers’ salaries by employers (government or private owners) means demise, may God forbid.

A teacher is one who helps students or pupils, often in a school as well as in a family, religious or community setting. A teacher is an acknowledged guide or helper in the processes of teaching/learning. A teacher’s role varies between cultures.

Academic subjects are emphasised in many societies. But really, a teacher’s duty may include instruction in craftsmanship or vocational training, spirituality, civic community activities, sciences or life skills among others.

In civilized and organised societies, teachers are well rated and usually respected as specialized professionals; on the same level as many other professions. In our clime, if we are to get the best out of teachers, we need to honour, celebrate and respect them. The issue of proper remuneration for teachers is one that we must not really shy away from. A properly motivated teacher is definitely an asset to the society.

For us to redefine our perception of teachers and get the best out of them, we need to reflect on the message of Dr. Eric Williams, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, to the youth of his country at the country’s Independence Youth Rally in 1962. In his words at the occasion, Dr. Williams said, among others, that: “To your tender and loving hands the future of the nation is entrusted. In your innocent heart the pride of the nation is enshrined. On your scholastic development the salvation of the nation is dependent. When you return to your classes after independence, remember, therefore, each and every one of you, that you carry the future of Trinidad and Tobago in your school bags. We should all note that an educated nation is a liberated people.” How fitting!

It is important for teachers to see their vocation as a life-changing one that involves giving the nation a fulfilled and secured future. As a result, they need to be dedicated and committed towards giving the best to the all-round development of students and pupils entrusted in their care. They should make integrity, competence and excellence their watchword. Stakeholders in the education sector, private organisations and spirited individuals are equally enjoined to work as a virile team in order to uplift education in Nigeria to enviable pedestals.

It is heartwarming that Lagos State has been encouraging teachers in their professional and career progression.  Here, teachers are being promoted as Permanent Secretaries / Tutor Generals. Hopefully, other States in the federation would emulate this laudable gesture.

On a final note, we need to go back to the basics by according our beloved teachers the honour and respect they deserve. It is only in doing this that we can be assured of getting positive answers whenever the question: “Who wants to be a Teacher” is asked.

Olagunju writes from Lagos

editor

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