Teachers Seek Improved Welfare as FG, States Renew Support for Profession

Nigerian teachers have called for improved welfare, better working conditions, professional development and stronger protection, as the Federal Government and several state governments renewed their commitment to strengthening the teaching profession.

The demands were made during activities marking the 2026 World Teachers’ Day, observed on October 5 under the theme, “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping our Futures.”

At the national celebration in Abuja, Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the Federal Government remained committed to improving teachers’ professional development, working conditions, access to appropriate resources and recognition.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers also urged government to implement the special salary structure approved for teachers, recruit and retain qualified educators, improve teaching resources and strengthen security for teachers and pupils.

The Federal Government has also continued efforts to professionalise teaching, while the 2026 President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards provided national recognition for outstanding teachers and schools.

At the state level, governments announced various measures aimed at addressing teachers’ welfare and staffing challenges. In Ogun State, for instance, the government announced the absorption of more than 1,500 OgunTEACh interns into the mainstream civil service and other interventions in the education sector.

The calls and government commitments underscore the continuing concerns over teachers’ welfare, professional status and working conditions, with stakeholders stressing that sustained investment in educators remains essential to improving the quality of education in Nigeria.