Over the past three years, more than 30% of Nigeria’s teaching workforce has left their positions, according to Hamid Bobboyi, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
Bobboyi shared this alarming statistic during a six-day training workshop organized by the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board, in collaboration with UBEC, in Kano on Thursday.
The workshop, aimed at training 30 School Support Officers in the teaching methods of SMASE (Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education) and Jolly Phonics, brought to light the significant challenges facing the education sector in Nigeria.
Bobboyi described the situation as “frightening,” noting that a large number of teachers have either retired or left the profession in search of better opportunities, leaving many positions unfilled. “Nationwide, in the last three years, particularly beginning with COVID-19, we have lost over 30% of our teaching workforce,” he stated. “Many of them retired, while some left the service without being replaced.”
Despite these challenges, Bobboyi praised the Kano State Government for its proactive efforts to address the teacher shortage by recruiting new teachers to replace those who have retired or left. He urged other states to follow Kano’s example and take similar measures to ensure the stability of their education systems.
“For Kano to take proactive measures in that regard pleases me immensely,” Bobboyi said. “I hope and pray other states should also learn from Kano and make sure they take serious measures.”
Bobboyi also emphasized the importance of supporting teachers, whom he described as essential to the nation’s development. “The teacher is a fundamental element in our entire ecosystem. If you neglect the teacher who neglects the children, the country cannot develop,” he explained. “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.”
The workshop also highlighted Kano State’s efforts to improve the quality of education. Yusuf Kabir, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board, announced that the state government has approved a policy to replace retired teachers every three months. This initiative aims to maintain an adequate number of teachers in the state’s schools.
In addition to addressing the teacher shortage, the Kano State Government is also working to improve the learning environment. Kabir revealed that the government has approved the construction of additional classrooms in each local government area to reduce overcrowding and create a more conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning. “We have purchased teaching and learning materials to ensure smooth transmission of learning,” Kabir added.
The training workshop for the 30 School Support Officers is part of a broader strategy to enhance the quality of education in Kano State. These officers, selected from across the state, will be responsible for supporting teachers in the core subjects of Mathematics, English, and Science, ultimately aiming to improve students’ academic performance.
The loss of a significant portion of the teaching workforce in Nigeria underscores the urgent need for states to prioritize the recruitment and retention of teachers. As Bobboyi pointed out, the future of the country depends on the strength and well-being of its educators.