The chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagos State Wing, Comrade Hassan Akintoye, has emphasized that Nigeria's problems can be addressed by taking education seriously. In an interview, Akintoye highlighted the critical issues affecting teachers and the teaching profession. He noted that Nigerian teachers were once highly regarded as pillars and opinion leaders within their local communities, but this narrative has shifted drastically due to prolonged neglect.
Akintoye attributed the decline in prestige of the teaching profession to the government's neglect and relegation of teaching to the lowest tier among professional bodies. Despite this, Nigerian teachers remain some of the most patriotic professionals in the country, equipped with high levels of tolerance and endurance. However, this capacity for endurance has led to unfair treatment, causing the entire educational system to suffer setbacks.
The NUT chairman identified poor welfare, inadequate remuneration, poor infrastructure, and substandard working conditions as persistent issues affecting teachers across the country. These issues are recurrent themes in NUT leaders' speeches on World Teachers' Day, indicating that significant progress has not been made. Akintoye also noted that many people have lost faith in the school system due to insecurity, leading politicians to prefer sending their children abroad to study.
Akintoye discussed the Federal Government's approval of extending the retirement age for teachers from 60 to 65 years or from 35 to 40 years of service. However, some states, including Lagos, have not implemented this policy. Akintoye argued that the inability to implement the policy does not favor new entrants into the system, who often enter the workforce at an advanced age due to factors such as incessant strikes and unemployment.
The NUT chairman emphasized that the new retirement age policy would benefit new entrants into the teaching profession, allowing them to spend more time in service. However, those already in the system have had enough time, with many spending 32, 33, or 35 years in service before retirement. Akintoye argued that the policy would help stabilize the wage bill and ensure that the system is sustained by new entrants.
Akintoye drew inspiration from countries like Canada, where there is no retirement age for teachers. He noted that this approach recognizes the value of experienced teachers and allows them to continue contributing to society. Akintoye urged the government to devise means to prioritize the welfare of citizens, particularly teachers, and to take a more positive view of the issues affecting the education sector.
The interview highlights the need for urgent attention to the challenges facing Nigeria's education sector. Akintoye's comments underscore the importance of prioritizing education and taking concrete steps to address the issues affecting teachers and the teaching profession. By doing so, Nigeria can unlock the potential of its education sector and address the country's broader problems.
Key points
- Nigerian teachers' influence and respect have declined due to neglect from government and private sector employers.
- The teaching profession faces persistent issues, including poor welfare, inadequate remuneration, and poor infrastructure.
- The retirement age policy for teachers aims to benefit new entrants into the profession and ensure the sustainability of the education sector.
