The teaching profession in Nigeria, as in many other parts of the world, is one that carries significant responsibility.
Teachers are expected to shape the minds and futures of young people, instilling knowledge, values, and critical thinking skills. However, the reality is that the profession in Nigeria is fraught with ethical pitfalls that undermine the integrity of education and the well-being of students.
One of the primary ethical issues is the prevalence of examination malpractice.
This problem is not confined to students alone but involves teachers who, for various reasons, either condone or actively participate in cheating.
According to a study by Adeyemi (2010), teachers may assist students in cheating to boost their school’s performance metrics or due to pressure from parents and school management. This practice not only devalues the educational system but also instills a culture of dishonesty among students.
Another significant ethical pitfall is the issue of favoritism and discrimination. Teachers sometimes exhibit bias towards students based on various factors such as socio-economic status, ethnicity, or even gender. This bias can manifest in the form of preferential treatment, better grades, or more opportunities for certain students while others are neglected. This discriminatory behaviour can have long-lasting effects on the affected students’ self-esteem and academic performance.
A report by the Human Rights Watch (2018) highlights how such biases contribute to an uneven playing field in education, perpetuating cycles of inequality.
Corruption is another pervasive issue within the Nigerian educational sector. The demand for bribes in exchange for grades, admissions, or even teacher recruitment is not uncommon. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (2021) notes that corruption is a systemic issue in Nigeria, affecting various sectors including education. This unethical behaviour erodes public trust in the educational system and hampers the nation’s development.
Sexual harassment is also a grave ethical concern. Instances where teachers exploit their positions of authority to solicit sexual favors from students in exchange for grades or other academic benefits are alarmingly frequent.
Such actions not only violate professional ethics but also constitute criminal behavior. The Nigerian government and various non-governmental organizations have been working to address this issue, but it remains a significant challenge. A study by Olusegun and Olanrewaju (2014) found that sexual harassment in Nigerian universities is often underreported due to fear of victimization and societal stigma.
The lack of professional development and continuous training for teachers contributes to ethical lapses.
Many teachers are not updated on modern pedagogical practices or ethical standards, leading to outdated teaching methods and unethical behaviour.
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has emphasized the need for continuous professional development programs to ensure that teachers remain competent and ethical in their practices.
Inadequate remuneration and poor working conditions further exacerbate the ethical challenges faced by Nigerian teachers. Low salaries and lack of motivation can lead teachers to seek alternative, often unethical, means of supplementing their income.
This situation is compounded by the lack of resources and support from the government, making it difficult for teachers to perform their duties effectively and ethically.
A report by the World Bank (2019) underscores the need for better compensation and working conditions to enhance the quality of education in Nigeria.
Efforts to address these ethical pitfalls must be multi-faceted. There is a need for stringent policies and regulations to curb malpractice and corruption, along with a robust system for monitoring and enforcement. Teacher training programs must incorporate comprehensive modules on ethics and professional standards. Additionally, creating a supportive and motivating environment for teachers through better remuneration and working conditions is crucial.
While Nigerian teachers face numerous ethical challenges, addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from government, educational institutions, and society at large. By fostering a culture of integrity and professionalism within the teaching profession, Nigeria can ensure that its educational system serves as a foundation for national development and individual empowerment.