Nigeria Union of Teachers Raises Alarm Over Teacher Shortage in Public Primary Schools

 

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has voiced serious concerns about the lack of adequate staffing in public primary schools across the nation. NUT's National President, Audu Amba, highlighted this issue during the 2024 World Teachers’ Day celebration held in Abuja on Saturday. He noted that many primary schools are left with only one or two teachers to manage their classrooms.

This year’s World Teachers’ Day theme is “Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education.” Amba emphasized that the ongoing manpower crisis has resulted in significant learning poverty among students, jeopardizing their future.

He also pointed out that the situation is equally troubling in Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, particularly in rural areas. “A survey conducted by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in 2024 indicates a shortage of 194,876 teachers in public primary schools across Nigeria,” he stated.

Amba expressed disappointment over the unfulfilled welfare packages for teachers that were promised by former President Muhammadu Buhari during the 2020 World Teachers’ Day celebrations. He urged both federal and state governments to implement the approved incentives to enhance teachers' morale and support their professional responsibilities.

While commending teachers for their dedication and resilience amidst numerous challenges, Amba encouraged them to continue to uphold the values of their profession.

The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, also acknowledged the hard work of teachers and assured them of the government’s commitment to empower and train teachers in technological skills. He recognized the challenges faced by educators and pledged the ministry's dedication to addressing these issues.