The Country Director of Murdock-Thompson Centre for Teachers, Ambassador Emmanuel Idiagi, has appealed to the federal government to prioritise the welfare of teachers in Nigeria.
Idiagi made this call at the 2025 Summer Fellowship for Innovative Teachers (SFIT) conference and awards ceremony held at Kingsville Schools, Jahi in Abuja.
He emphasised that a well-compensated and motivated teaching workforce is crucial for national development and the improvement of the country’s educational system.
Idiagi’s call comes amidst long-standing concerns about the poor remuneration and working conditions faced by Nigerian educators.
He stated that the government must move beyond mere promises and implement tangible policies that address teachers’ welfare.
“Teachers’ reward should not only be in heaven,” Idiagu said, urging a shift from the traditional rhetoric that often romanticizes the struggles of teachers.
He pointed out that inadequate salaries and a lack of professional development opportunities are key factors discouraging talented individuals from joining or remaining in the teaching profession.
According to him, “The SFIT conference is an annual event that recognises and rewards innovative educators, provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss the future of education in Nigeria.”
Also speaking at this year’s event, prominent Nigerian educationist and the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute of Non-Formal Education Practitioners (INFEP) Segun Abiri highlighted the pivotal role of the Murdock-Thompson Center for Teachers in revolutionising Nigeria’s educational landscape.
Abiri said The Murdock-Thompson Center for Teachers is a US-based non-profit outfit with an international focus on supporting and honoring teacher innovation.
“The organisation’s guiding philosophy is that grassroots reform, driven by individual, creative teachers, is the key to meaningful educational change.
“The Summer Fellowship for Innovative Teachers is a cornerstone effort in providing financial support and a community for innovative teachers to research, develop, and publish their work, ensuring that their successful methods can be replicated by others,” he said.
One of the SFIT 2022 award winner, Agnes Singbo- Oluwatudimu, emphasised that traditional teaching methods were no longer sufficient to prepare children for a rapidly evolving world.
She stressed that innovation is not just about technology, but about a fundamental shift in teaching approaches.
This according to her includes adopting new pedagogies that foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
”To secure a brighter future for our children, we must move beyond rote memorization and embrace teaching methods that empower them to become creators, not just consumers, of knowledge,” Agnes said.
She challenged teachers to be agents of change, constantly seeking new ways to engage students and make learning relevant to their lives.
Speaking further, the project manager for the 2025 edition of the event, Emmanuel Olufemi, passionately reiterated the call for organisations and institutions to rise to the challenge of putting smiles on the faces of educators.
According to him, only a motivated teacher can truly shape and secure the future of our children.
The 2025 edition brought together educators, policymakers, and educational leaders to share best practices and explore solutions to systemic challenges.
The event celebrated teachers who have demonstrated exceptional creativity and dedication in their classrooms, proving that with the right support, Nigerian educators can compete on a global scale.