According to Hamid Bobboyi, the executive secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), more than 30 percent of Nigerian teachers have left the workforce in the last three years. During a six-day training workshop in Kano, Bobboyi shared this information with 30 School Support Officers on SMASE and Jolly Phonics. The Kano State Universal Basic Education Board, in partnership with UBEC, organised the workshop. He added that the situation was deemed scary as some educators retired or looked for better opportunities elsewhere, resulting in vacant positions that needed to be filled.
He praised the Kano State Government for its proactive efforts in hiring more teachers and replacing retired ones. He urged other states to follow suit and adopt similar strategies. Over the past three years, starting with the outbreak of COVID-19, there has been a significant decline in the teaching workforce across the country, with over 30 percent lost. This is a cause for concern as many have retired or left their positions without suitable replacements.
Other states were encouraged to adopt similar measures to tackle the issue.
It brings great joy to him that Kano is taking proactive steps in this matter. He hopes and prays that other states will follow their example and implement similar measures to address the issue effectively. He stressed the importance of supporting professionals, stating their crucial role in shaping the next generation of leaders and the nation’s overall progress. According to him, the instructors play a crucial role in the overall system. With proper attention given to the teacher, who guides the children, the nation’s progress will be protected.
The speaker stressed the importance of prioritising the well-being of educators, stating their vital role in shaping the nation’s future. Teachers are fundamental in nurturing and educating the next generation, who will eventually be responsible for the country’s prosperity and stability. He commended the educator development unit for their efforts in designing a comprehensive training program for professionals. This initiative was recognised as essential in ensuring high-quality education, as well-trained and supported teachers are critical to developing a capable and thriving future workforce.
Kano state government approved the recruitment of new teachers.
On his part, Yusuf Kabir, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board, announced that the state government had authorised recruiting new trainers every quarter to fill the vacancies left by retired educators. He announced that each local government area would receive new classrooms approved by the state government to alleviate Overcrowding in existing classrooms and create a better learning environment. He said they have bought educational resources to facilitate a seamless knowledge transfer.
Thirty School Support Officers were carefully selected from different regions across the state to participate in a specialised training program to assist teachers in teaching critical subjects, including Math, English, and Science. This initiative was designed to strengthen the support system for educators, providing them with additional resources and guidance to improve teaching methodologies. The overarching goal of the training is to enhance student performance by encouraging a more effective learning environment, ensuring that students receive a higher quality of education in these essential academic disciplines.
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Moreover, a comprehensive approach is needed to tackle the increasing educator shortage. Policymakers must strategize ways to address immediate and future needs to combat this issue effectively. For example, it could motivate educators by raising their Salaries and providing bonuses while investing in continuous learning opportunities and improving the school environment. In addition, implementing mentorship programs for new educators and establishing clear routes for career advancement could play vital roles in retaining experienced educators. Offering student loans, housing assistance, and scholarships can help draw young professionals into teaching and inspire them to stay dedicated for the long term.