Over the years, the Education sector in Nigeria has faced a growing crisis as the shortage of skilled and technical teachers reaches alarming levels. This pressing issue was highlighted by Enugu State’s Commissioner for Education, Ndubueze Mbah, during the National Stakeholders’ Workshop for the Validation of the Reviewed National Education Policy (NTEP) held in Abuja. The commissioner illustrates the situation as a “state of emergency” that jeopardises the future of education across the nation. Nigeria has less than 4,000 technical teachers, a figure that underscores the gravity of the problem.
He noted that recruitment practices often intensify the issue, with Teacher trainees frequently selected from individuals who have underperformed in other academic areas. This has contributed to a decline in the quality of learning in the country, as unqualified individuals fail to meet the professional as well as academic standards required for effective teaching. Without properly trained educators, any Investment in learning infrastructure, such as advanced facilities and learning materials, risks falling short of achieving meaningful outcomes.
Other States should increase allocation for the sector.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, Enugu State has increased education allocation to 33% of its budget annually for the second year in a row. This funding will not only enhance Infrastructure but also overhaul teacher training programs. The aim is to improve the quality of learning and ensure that students benefit from the expertise of skilled educators. Such a significant financial commitment reflects the state government’s determination to address the crisis comprehensively. This initiative includes reforming teacher recruitment processes, emphasising the importance of attracting top-performing candidates into the teaching profession.
Highlighting gaps in the implementation of the National Teacher Policy introduced in 2014, Minister of State for Education Suwaiba Ahmed pointed out that the revised policy, supported by UNESCO and the European Union, seeks to address these shortcomings. The updated policy focuses on equipping educators with modern tools and knowledge to foster an inclusive, high-quality education system. It reflects the federal government’s vision to transition Nigeria from a resource-based Economy to one driven by knowledge and innovation.
UNESCO and other organisations are helping to address the shortage.
International organisations like UNESCO are playing a key role in addressing Nigeria’s teacher shortage. Abdourahamane Diallo, UNESCO’s representative in Nigeria, emphasised the importance of partnerships in strengthening the teacher education system. Through the EU-UNESCO project, efforts are being made to develop a framework for recruiting, training, and supporting teachers. Diallo highlighted that sustained collaborations are essential for implementing educational policies effectively. By aligning efforts across all levels of government and partnering with stakeholders, the initiative aims to ensure that teacher shortages do not hinder Nigeria’s educational goals.
The consequences of the teacher shortage extend beyond the classroom. A lack of qualified educators affects the overall quality of education, limiting students’ ability to acquire essential skills needed in a modern economy. Furthermore, the situation threatens Nigeria’s progress toward becoming a knowledge-based economy, where Innovation and education are key drivers of development. Investing in teacher education has far-reaching implications for societal advancement. It improves Literacy rates, reduces unemployment, and equips future generations with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive global environment.
Related Article: Mbah urges practical learning for innovation
Lastly, the shortage of skilled teachers in Nigeria calls for urgent and coordinated action. While states like Enugu are leading the way with significant budgetary allocations, a broader national effort is required to overhaul teacher training and recruitment. The revised National Teacher Policy and international collaborations offer a blueprint for addressing these challenges. By prioritising education reform, Nigeria can ensure that its teachers are not only equipped to meet the demands of modern classrooms but also serve as catalysts for the nation’s economic and social transformation.