Nigerian teachers have renewed the call for good salary package, continued government support, and intervention to better their lives. 

Some teachers, who spoke exclusively with our reporters in Abuja, expressed regrets that though they still have passion for teaching but it is waning on a daily basis owing to poor pay and lack of motivation.

These, among others, according to them, have made the job increasingly difficult and unattractive.

Mrs. Grace Okoro, a secondary school teacher, said despite the fact that she feels fulfilled impacting knowledge as a teacher, she remains unhappy with her salary and other take-home package.

She said: “I love teaching because I’m contributing to the future growth of our generations, but our financial status is nothing to write home about, and the government’s intervention has not been encouraging.

Also, expressing his concerns, another teacher, Mr Musa Ibrahim, who teaches at a primary school, said the treatments and experiences notwithstanding, he would not abandon teaching for any other profession.

“Despite the hardship, my passion for the job has kept me going, However, I want to implore our governments at all levels to make teachers’ welfare a top priority by providing housing support, regular training and capacity building and prompt payment of salaries and allowances.

A private school teacher, Mrs. Salamatu Abdullahi shared similar views when she said:  “I love my job, the pupils are often overworked and underpaid.”

Mrs. Grace: “Honestly, I love teaching. It gives me joy to impact knowledge and see my students grow.  For Mrs. Grace, the lack of appreciation and poor working conditions make her feel truly fulfilled as a teacher.

Mr .Musa, also a teacher, corroborated her, saying: “Teaching is my passion, but I won’t lie, it hasn’t been easy. I feel fulfilled when students succeed, but financially and socially, we are not valued enough in this country.”

Lately, education stakeholders have continued to call on the government to invest more in teacher’s welfare, enhance professional training, and motivation them in the line of duty in order to restore the dignity of the profession.