As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark the 2025 edition of World Teachers’ Day, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has raised serious concerns over a deepening crisis in the education sector, highlighting a staggering shortage of nearly 200,000 qualified teachers across the country.
Speaking during the national celebration held at Eagle Square, Abuja, on Sunday, the NUT National President, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, said data from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) shows that Nigeria is facing a shortfall of 194,876 teachers in public primary schools alone.
Amba described the situation as alarming, warning that the manpower deficit extends into secondary schools and has far-reaching implications for the quality of teaching and learning nationwide.
“This shortage gravely undermines Nigeria’s ability to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all,” Amba stated.
The NUT president also expressed disappointment over what he called the government’s continued failure to implement long-standing promises aimed at improving teachers’ welfare.
He recalled that several incentives approved by the Federal Government since 2020, including enhanced allowances and career progression measures, have yet to be fully rolled out.
Amba further criticized the delay in the implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage , revealing that 10 states are yet to fully implement the wage, while 4 states have not implemented it at all.
“The gap between promises and action is unacceptable. Our teachers deserve more than lip service,” he said.
Despite the concerns raised, the World Teachers’ Day celebration also featured a series of activities to honour outstanding educators and states. Under the global theme ” Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession”, the event included the presentation of President’s Teachers and School Excellence Award, trophies for best March Past, and special recognition for state governors deemed supportive of the education sector.
World Teachers’ Day is commemorated annually on October 5th to highlight the contributions of teachers and the challenges they face, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria, where systemic issues continue to hinder progress in the education sector.