In developed countries, the teaching profession is highly celebrated and rewarded, due to the fact that teachers are regarded as builders of nations in those climes. But the reverse seems to be the case in the developing world. For instance, there is this erroneous belief in Nigeria that "teachers' reward is in heaven."
Some teachers who spoke with SUNDAY PUNCH lamented that the amount of effort they put into their profession isn't commensurate with their salary.
A teacher at Ilogbu High School, Osun State, Mr. Taofeek Musa, said it was high time teachers were honoured and respected, because they are the backbones of every nation.
Musa said, "Teachers and the teaching profession are not given adequate respect and this is because members of the public look down on us. Other professionals such as engineers, doctors are better respected. But the truth of the matter is that we teachers have a larger role to play in the society than other professionals. Without us, no nation can stand firm."
Musa urged government at all levels to create a better working environment for teachers.
"Many schools in the country are in a terrible state. It's either the buildings are dilapidated or the laboratories are totally empty. I urge various state governments to upgrade their schools. We (teachers) deserve to be working in a comfortable environment. We are not slaves and we shouldn't be treated like slaves."
He also decried a situation where people resort to teaching as a means of survival, adding that this had become the norm in the country.
"In the past few years, unemployed graduates now see the teaching profession as a means to an end. The profession has become a dumping ground. The government should do something about this problem. A large percentage of these unemployed graduates don't possess the qualification and experience to teach," Musa said.
Another teacher, Mrs. Adenike Akintola, who teaches at the Holy Trinity Primary School, Lagos, expressed concern about teachers' poor welfare package.
She said the poor package was already telling on teachers' physical health.
"There are some teachers I know that are hypertensive but they are unable to treat themselves properly. They can't afford to get treatment at private hospitals because it is expensive. The only option for them is to get treatment at government hospitals which can be very stressful. No one enjoys getting treatment at government hospitals. If the government can set up welfare package for teachers it would go a long way to help them," she said.
Akintola also advised the younger generation to take interest in the teaching profession so that the sector would not collapse.
"A good number of teachers are almost reaching the retirement age. Once we leave the sector, there will be no one to take over from us. The younger generation isn't ready to take up teaching as a job and the government isn't employing good teachers, I mean teachers who love the profession genuinely. With this challenge at hand, the education sector will be affected," she said.
For Mrs. Etop Samuel, a teacher at Hannah Comfort International School, Lagos, government should set a fixed amount of money as the minimum teachers from both public and private institutions should earn as salary.
She said, "Compared to teachers in the private sector, public school teachers receive attention from the government. There is a fixed amount a teacher can earn as salary based on his level or grade. But for teachers in the private sector, we live on what our employers give us. An employer can wake up one morning and decide to slash a teacher's salary to N10,000. There will be no one to query his or her decision. We (teachers) are at the mercy of our employers.
"There are graduates in private schools earning N15,000. This is unfair. I urge the government to set up a fixed amount a teacher, both in primary and secondary schools should earn as salary. Private school owners should be made to comply with the directive."
Samuel also lamented that teachers were underpaid. "Teachers' salary scheme should be reviewed. Anyone who is properly rewarded will be motivated to work hard. Teachers don't get any form of encouragement which is unfair. The only reason why some of us are still in the profession is because of our love for children," she added.
Miss Opeyemi Alao of Starfield Early Years School, Lagos, said teachers hold a significant role in the society that could not be ignored.
"Teachers hold great significance in our society. The importance of teachers should not be minimised or confined to World Teachers' Day alone. It is improper to pay our regards to teachers on just one day and then forget about them for the entire year.
"Teachers' Day will assume greater significance if we resolve to respect our teachers throughout the year. No matter what changes may have occurred in the society over the years, teachers continue to hold a place of pride and importance in our nation. The mode of celebrating Teachers' Day should change. Also, the day or event should come with the implementation of policies that will better the profession. Without teachers, there will be no doctors, lawyers, engineers. Teachers should be rewarded for the time, effort and knowledge they impart into children."
Despite the various challenges teachers face, they remain one of the most influential people in the country hence the UNESCO's decision to make World Teachers' Day a yearly celebration.
In 1994, UNESCO proclaimed October 5, WTD, in celebration of the great step made by teachers in 1966 when a special inter-governmental conference convened by UNESCO in Paris in cooperation with the International Labour Organisation adopted the UNESCO/ILO recommendation concerning the status of teachers.
According to reports, this recommendation sets forth the rights and responsibilities of teachers, and international standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, teaching and learning conditions.
It also contains recommendations for teachers' participation in educational decisions through consultation and negotiation with educational authorities. Since its adoption, the recommendation has been considered an important set of guidelines to promote teachers' status in the interest of quality education
Shedding more light on the significance of WTD, the United Nations in a statement described the 'Day' as one which celebrates the role teachers play in providing quality education at all levels. It stated that this would enable children and adults of all ages to learn to take part in and contribute to their local community and global society.
The theme of the celebration, 'A Call for Teachers', aims to continue to celebrate the unsung heroes and heroine within the profession and also to let them know that their work is not in vein.
"Teachers develop learners' abilities to build a sustainable future with citizens who are able to take action in their own communities and contribute to global challenges. The teaching profession, both men and women, must unite and urge governments to implement their commitments," UNESCO stated.
Meanwhile, the President, National Union of Teachers, Comrade Michael Olukoye, has urged teachers to remain dedicated to their profession despite the challenges bedeviling the profession.
"Teachers should continue to discharge their responsibilities irrespective of the environment they operate. Since they are concerned about raising future leaders, they should keep their eyes focused on that goal.
"They should know that God will reward their efforts even when man fails to. And to governments at various spheres, I urge them to see the education sector as one of the most important sectors in the country. They should make schools conducive for teachers," Olukoye added.
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