“Prioritizing Quality Education: A Call to Action for the Nigerian Government and Education Ministers

As a student affairs practitioner, I am compelled to address a critical issue affecting the foundation of our education system. The recruitment of unqualified teachers in Nigerian primary and secondary schools has led to a plethora of problems, including sexual molestation and rape of students by teachers. My investigation into these cases revealed a disturbing trend – the perpetrators were not professional teachers, but individuals who studied unrelated courses and were employed to teach subjects they were not qualified to handle.

This trend is alarming, and it’s time to demand change. The Nigerian Government and Education Ministers must prioritize the employment of teachers who have studied pure education courses and are licensed and certified by the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). It’s unacceptable to hire teachers who studied Mechanical Engineering to teach mathematics when we have thousands of graduates who studied Education Mathematics. Similarly, it’s unjustifiable to employ Chemical Engineers to teach Chemistry when we have graduates who studied Chemistry Education.

This practice not only compromises the quality of education but also perpetuates tribalism, nepotism, and bribery in the teacher recruitment process. It’s a disservice to our children and a disheartening reality for qualified teachers who remain unemployed. The consequences are far-reaching, with Nigeria already losing talented professionals like doctors, nurses, and pharmacists to foreign countries in search of better opportunities.

I urge the Nigerian Government and Education Ministers to:

1. Prioritize the employment of qualified teachers who have studied pure education courses.

2. Ensure all teachers are licensed and certified by the TRCN.

3. End the practice of hiring unqualified teachers, regardless of their connections or background.

4. Create a fair and transparent recruitment process that values merit over nepotism.

5. Address the high rate of unemployment among youths by providing opportunities for qualified teachers.

Our children’s education is paramount. Let us put their interests above ours and strive for a better future. The time for change is now.”