Nigeria’s education sector is facing a dire manpower crisis, as new data reveals that just 915,913 teachers are available to educate over 31.7 million pupils in both public and private primary schools across the country.
According to data from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), this imbalance in teacher-to-pupil ratio has raised major concerns over the quality of basic education, especially in rural areas where shortages are more severe.
In an earlier report by Punch, it was noted that 18 states in Nigeria failed to recruit any new teachers from 2019 to 2024, despite an increasing number of school-aged children. The situation is further compounded by non-payment of minimum wage, poor infrastructure, and demoralizing working conditions for teachers—especially those under state and local authorities.
Recently, teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) went on strike due to the failure of area councils to implement the minimum wage approved by President Bola Tinubu. This development is only a glimpse into the larger crisis of neglect within Nigeria’s education system.
The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) also raised the alarm over the growing shortage of qualified teachers, particularly in underserved communities. According to its former Registrar, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, the rising population of pupils coupled with insufficient recruitment has created an unsustainable learning environment.
“The availability and quality of qualified teachers are crucial factors in ensuring students receive quality education. However, the shortage of qualified teachers is a concerning issue in Nigeria for several reasons,” Ajiboye said.
UBEC data shows that Nigeria has 131,377 primary schools (65,529 public and 65,848 private), with 24.2 million pupils in public schools and 7.4 million in private. Unfortunately, many schools—especially in rural areas—operate with only one or two teachers, leaving thousands of children in “learning poverty.”
The National Union of Teachers (NUT) President, Titus Amba, described the situation as "alarming," urging federal and state governments to prioritize teacher recruitment and training. “Every student deserves access to a qualified teacher,” Amba stated.
Unless urgent action is taken, the future of millions of Nigerian children remains uncertain under the burden of a failing education system.
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