By Divramredje Lawrence Efeturi
On October 5th, we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, a day to honour the unsung heroes who shape the minds of future generations. Sadly, this year’s celebration shines a stark light on the systemic neglect and challenging working conditions faced by teachers across the globe. While educators are the bedrock of any thriving society, their contributions are often undervalued, and they are left to operate in environments that undermine their well-being and professional potential.
In many parts of the world, teachers face a multitude of challenges. Poor salaries, overcrowded classrooms, lack of adequate teaching materials, and limited access to professional development are just a few of the obstacles they navigate. In some regions, teachers struggle with irregular pay, dilapidated school infrastructure, and even face threats to their safety due to conflict or instability. The ongoing crises in countries like Nigeria, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Venezuela highlight the desperate need for greater support.
Despite these hardships, teachers persist. Their commitment to nurturing young minds is a testament to their dedication and resilience. Their work extends far beyond the classroom. They inspire curiosity, teach values, promote critical thinking, and prepare individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Without the teacher, there would be no doctors, no engineers, no leaders — no functioning society.
The time for action is now. The global community must recognize the immense value of teachers and take tangible steps to address their plight. Governments must prioritize education by:
a. Allocating a minimum of 20% of their national budgets to education, specifically targeting teacher salaries, resources, and professional development. The Nigerian government should prioritize education by allocating a significant percentage of the national budget to it. According to UNESCO’s recommendation, countries should allocate at least 15% of their national budget to education. A staggering reality is that Nigeria, a nation with a rapidly growing population and significant challenges in the education sector, currently allocates only 6.39% of its 2024 fiscal year of “Budget of Renewed Hope” national budget to education, falling far short of the UNESCO-recommended 15-20%. This funding increase can be used to address critical needs such as teacher recruitment and training, infrastructure development, and the provision of better learning materials. The investment will not only improve the quality of education but will also contribute to the long-term prosperity of the nation. This substantial increase would also send a strong message about the government’s commitment to improve the lives of teachers and students.
b. Investing in teacher support systems, such as mental health initiatives, subsidized housing, and mentorship programmes, to ensure their well-being.
c. Raising teacher status by empowering them through professional organizations, recognizing their contributions through awards and public acknowledgement, and fostering a culture of respect for educators.
Society, too, has a crucial role to play. We must change our attitude toward educators and demonstrate the appreciation they deserve. Each of us can make a difference by:
- Supporting local teacher initiatives and advocating for increased funding for education.
II. Volunteering time and resources to schools and community programs.
iii. Celebrating and acknowledging the contributions of teachers in our lives.
Let us all remember that without the dedication and hard work of teachers, society would be lost. On this World Teachers’ Day, let us celebrate their resilience and commitment, and let us pledge to work together to ensure they have the support and resources they need to thrive.
What can YOU do to support teachers in your community?
Sir Divramredje Lawrence Efeturi, KSJI, ASCIEPUK, writes from Delta State.
