Experts Accuse Poor Education on Teacher Undervaluation

The Crisis in Nigeria’s Education System

Nigeria's education system is facing a deep crisis that affects not only the quality of teaching but also the value placed on educators. According to Yomi Fawehinmi, a human resources and change management expert, the profession is suffering from poor remuneration, social biases, and a lack of appreciation.

Fawehinmi highlighted that while Nigeria has started to observe World Teachers’ Day, many underlying issues remain unaddressed. He noted that some states have used this occasion to make positive changes, such as giving gifts or grants to teachers. However, he emphasized that the teaching profession globally is often undervalued and underpaid.

One of the key problems identified by Fawehinmi is the disparity in pay between teachers and other professionals with similar qualifications. He pointed out that teachers in Nigeria earn about 25% less than their counterparts in other countries, even in America. This wage gap is exacerbated by gender biases, where professions dominated by women tend to be paid less and receive less recognition.

Fawehinmi compared Nigeria's approach to that of countries like South Korea and Finland, where the most talented students pursue teaching as a career. In these nations, top students choose to become teachers, ensuring high-quality education for future generations. In contrast, Nigeria often sees the least performing students entering teacher training programs, which undermines the foundation of its education system.

He criticized the current admission policies for teacher training colleges, noting that they often have the lowest cut-off marks for university admissions. This practice leads to a situation where the weakest students are trained to educate the next generation, resulting in poor comprehension and reasoning skills among young Nigerians.

Fawehinmi also addressed the growing trend of parents opting for expensive private schools, arguing that high tuition fees do not necessarily translate into better learning outcomes. He questioned the logic behind costly sports levies in private schools, pointing out that none of these institutions have produced significant athletes representing Nigeria in major sports events in the last 15 years.

The expert stressed that true education should be measured by learning outcomes rather than infrastructure or prestige. He urged parents to align schooling with their children's individual talents and goals, emphasizing that no single school can meet all the needs of every child.

Fawehinmi called for a redefinition of education beyond classroom learning, highlighting the importance of cultural values in shaping national development. He argued that education occurs both inside and outside the classroom, and policymakers must recognize this broader perspective.

He concluded by calling for a cultural reawakening in how Nigerians value learning and teachers. Fawehinmi emphasized that education is not just about schooling; it is about the total shaping of human thought and values. Until teachers and education are treated with dignity, Nigeria will continue to produce citizens who can read but cannot reason.

Key Issues in Nigeria's Education System

• Underpayment and Undervaluation: Teachers in Nigeria earn significantly less than professionals in other fields, leading to a decline in the profession's appeal.
• Gender Bias: Professions dominated by women, such as teaching, tend to be underpaid and overlooked.
• Admission Policies: Teacher training colleges often admit the least performing students, undermining the quality of education.
• Private Schools: High tuition fees do not guarantee better learning outcomes, and costly sports levies yield little return.
• Cultural Values: Education should be viewed as a broader concept, encompassing both formal and informal learning experiences.
• Parental Choices: Parents need to consider their children's unique talents and goals when choosing schools.
• Policy Reform: Policymakers must redefine education to include cultural and societal influences.