In a recent gathering, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) opened up on a disturbing development within Nigeria’s education sector, highlighting a challenge that UBEC is now facing.
How did over 30 percent of Nigeria’s teachers disappear?
This is one question that Hamid Bobboyi, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, can not stop asking himself.
The UBEC boss revealed that over 30% of Nigeria’s teaching workforce left their positions in the past three years.
Speaking at a six-day training workshop in Kano, organised by the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board in collaboration with UBEC, Bobboyi described the situation as alarming.
UBEC Losses Teachers
He explained that while some teachers retired, others left in search of better opportunities, and many have not been replaced.
However, Bobboyi praised the Kano State Government for its proactive measures in recruiting additional teachers to fill the gaps left by retirees.
He urged other states to follow Kano’s example.
In his words: “Nationwide, in the last three years, particularly beginning with COVID-19, we have lost over 30 percent of our teaching workforce.
“And it is very frightening. Many of them retired, while some left the service without being replaced. So, for Kano to take proactive measures in that regard pleases me immensely.
“I hope and pray other states should also learn from Kano and make sure it can take serious measures.”
Bobboyi emphasised the importance of teacher welfare, noting that teachers play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future leaders.
“The teacher is a fundamental element in our entire ecosystem. If you neglect the teacher who neglects the children, the country cannot develop.
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“So, we make sure, to safeguard the future of the country, we have to safeguard the welfare of the teacher.
So that he can also safeguard and make sure he develops the future generation that can take care of the country,” he said.
Ensuring Quality Education
He also commended the teacher development unit for organising the training, highlighting it as an effective strategy for ensuring quality education.
Yusuf Kabir, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board, noted that the state government has approved the replacement of retired teachers every three months.
He also mentioned the approval for constructing additional classrooms in each local government area to alleviate overcrowding and create a more conducive learning environment.
“We have purchased teaching and learning materials to ensure smooth transmission of learning,” Kabir added.
The workshop trained 30 School Support Officers from across the state to assist teachers in teaching core subjects like Mathematics, English, and Science, aiming to improve students’ performance.
