In the past three years, nearly a third of Nigeria’s teachers have left the profession. Hamid Bobboyi, executive secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, revealed this startling statistic at a workshop hosted by the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board in August. For the self-styled “Giant of Africa,” this is yet another towering challenge.
The teaching profession in Nigeria, once respected, now finds itself in dire straits. At a recent career fair in a local school, not a single student aspired to be a teacher. They dreamt of becoming doctors, engineers, footballers or broadcasters—but not educators. Such indifference is not confined to the young. Many older Nigerians discourage others from entering teaching, warning of its association with low pay and limited opportunities.
What was once a career of pride and purpose has been reduced to a fallback for those with no better options. The result: a mass exodus that threatens the very fabric of the education sector.
Why Teachers Are Leaving
At the heart of the problem is money—or the lack of it. Before the introduction of Nigeria’s new minimum wage, the average teacher earned a meagre ₦50,000 ($65) a month, far below the cost of living. Compared with teacher salaries in other African nations, this is pitiful. Unsurprisingly, many teachers have swapped the classroom for careers in banking, technology, or retail, where the pay is better.
Working conditions in government schools add to the frustration. Teachers often contend with crumbling infrastructure, outdated or absent teaching materials and overcrowded classrooms. These hardships make a tough job nearly impossible.
Broader systemic issues also drive teachers away. Insecurity, particularly in northern Nigeria, poses a direct threat to educators, while inflation and rising living costs erode their already paltry earnings. Like everyone else, teachers yearn for safer, more stable lives.
The departure of so many teachers has left classrooms overcrowded and under-resourced. In one public school in Kaduna, a single teacher is responsible for two classes with over 50 students in total. Such an imbalance makes individual attention a luxury and undermines the quality of education.
A low teacher-to-student ratio leads to a cycle of poor learning outcomes. Without urgent intervention, Nigeria’s education system will continue its decline, further jeopardizing the country’s development.
Lessons From Abroad
Other countries have faced—and overcome—similar challenges.
Rwanda experienced a teacher exodus but stemmed the tide by raising salaries across all levels of education in 2022. Competitive pay made teaching a viable career once again.
Kenya has introduced mentorship schemes for young teachers, fostering a sense of community and professional development that boosts retention.
China and South Korea offer broader lessons. Both countries used incentives like tax breaks, housing subsidies, and research grants to lure professionals back from abroad, reversing brain drain and revitalizing critical sectors.
Fixing Nigeria’s education sector requires more than higher salaries, though better pay is a crucial first step. A broader cultural shift is needed to restore the prestige of teaching and make it an attractive career.
Public-awareness campaigns can highlight the vital role of teachers in nation-building. The government should partner with the private sector to fund initiatives such as school renovations, scholarships, and digital learning tools.
Most importantly, education funding must increase. Nigeria currently spends about 7% of its national budget on education, far below UNESCO’s recommended 20%. A higher allocation would allow for improved salaries, better infrastructure, and enhanced teacher training.
The challenges facing Nigeria’s education sector reflect deeper systemic problems. But they are not insurmountable. With decisive action—more funding, better incentives, and a concerted effort to rebrand teaching—the country can reverse its brain drain and rebuild the profession.
If Nigeria’s leaders act boldly, they can turn the tide and secure a brighter future for the nation’s students—and its teachers.
In the past three years, nearly a third of Nigerian teachers have left the profession, primarily due to low pay, poor working conditions, and systemic challenges. The average teacher's salary is significantly below the cost of living, prompting many to switch to other sectors offering better pay and stability. Working conditions in government schools are dire, with overcrowded classrooms and inadequate resources, exacerbating the issues.
Countries like Rwanda and Kenya have addressed similar challenges by raising salaries and introducing mentorship programs to retain teachers. Additionally, nations like China and South Korea have used incentives such as tax breaks and housing subsidies to attract professionals back into critical sectors.
For Nigeria to address its education crisis, it needs more than salary increases. A cultural shift is necessary to restore teaching's prestige and make it a desirable career. Public awareness campaigns, increased funding for education, and partnerships with the private sector to improve infrastructure and provide digital tools are crucial steps. Nigeria currently spends around 7% of its national budget on education, which is below UNESCO's recommendation of 20%. A comprehensive approach, including better incentives and rebranding teaching, is needed to revive the profession and secure a better future for students and educators alike.
