A Former Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, has called on the Federal Government to establish a National Teachers’ and Caregivers’ Welfare Commission to address the growing challenges faced by educators in Nigeria.
Prof. Ajiboye made this passionate appeal during the International Teachers’ Day celebration organized by the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) in Abuja, where he served as the guest speaker.
In his presentation titled, “Valuing Teacher Voices: A Panacea for a Rejuvenated Teacher Education in Nigeria”, Ajiboye stressed the urgent need for collaborative efforts among the government, educational institutions, and stakeholders to overhaul the teaching profession in the country.
He emphasized that the welfare of teachers and caregivers must be prioritized if Nigeria’s education system is to see meaningful improvements.
“Establish a national teachers’ and caregivers’ welfare commission where attention would be given to these two distinct categories of educators,” Ajiboye urged the government.
He stressed that such a commission could help resolve the pressing concerns regarding educators’ welfare, which he argued has been neglected for far too long.
Ajiboye also called for a comprehensive restructuring of the teaching profession, urging relevant authorities to create platforms where teachers can actively participate in shaping educational policies, curriculum design, and school governance.
“Teachers should be involved in policy-making processes,” he stated, adding that there must be mechanisms to gather teacher feedback on professional development programmes, helping them enhance their skills and effectiveness in the classroom.
The University of Ibadan don further proposed the establishment of professional communities where teachers can collaborate, share experiences, and develop innovative teaching methods.
He highlighted the need for continuous learning within the profession, stating that such collaboration could significantly improve the quality of education in Nigeria.
Beyond welfare, Ajiboye pointed to the broader issue of the declining status of the teaching profession in Nigeria. He lamented the exodus of experienced educators to other professions, as well as the alarming drop in interest among young Nigerians in pursuing teaching as a career.
“Teaching, once regarded as a noble profession, is now facing an existential crisis in Nigeria. The alarming drop in interest in teaching as a career, along with the mass departure of qualified teachers, is a sign that urgent intervention is needed,” Ajiboye warned.
He urged the government to launch a nationwide recruitment campaign to attract more individuals into the teaching profession, revise teacher welfare policies, and increase funding for educational infrastructure. Ajiboye also recommended that the teacher education curricula be tailored to reflect the real-world challenges educators face while incorporating global best practices.
In his closing remarks, Ajiboye encouraged the government to promote leadership opportunities for teachers through mentorship programs and training in advocacy skills, stressing that teachers should play a leading role in shaping their own welfare and professional development.
“It’s time to recognize the gravity of this issue and take immediate action to restore the dignity of teaching,” he concluded.
Ajiboye’s recommendations provide a roadmap for revitalizing Nigeria’s teaching profession, but he insists that the first step is the creation of a dedicated welfare commission that puts teachers and caregivers at the heart of any educational reform.