UBEC; 30% of teachers left in the space of 3 years
Hamid Bobboyi, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has reported that over 30% of Nigeria’s teaching workforce has left the profession in the past three years. He shared this concerning figure during a six-day training workshop in Kano, organized by the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board in partnership with UBEC.
The workshop, held on Thursday, focused on training 30 School Support Officers in Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education (SMASE) and Jolly Phonics to enhance educational quality in the region. Bobboyi described the situation as alarming, noting that many teachers have either retired or left in search of better opportunities without being replaced.
Bobboyi praised the Kano State Government for its proactive measures in recruiting new teachers and filling vacancies left by retirees, urging other states to adopt similar practices. He stated, “In the past three years, particularly since COVID-19 began, we have lost more than 30 percent of our teaching workforce nationwide. This is deeply troubling, as many teachers have retired or left without replacements.”
He continued, “Kano’s proactive approach in addressing this issue is commendable. I sincerely hope other states will take a cue from Kano and implement similar measures.”
Emphasizing the importance of teachers’ welfare, Bobboyi noted their critical role in shaping future leaders and national development. “Teachers are the cornerstone of our educational system. Neglecting teachers leads to neglecting children, which hampers the country’s progress. To secure our nation’s future, we must ensure that teachers’ welfare is prioritized so they can effectively nurture the next generation,” he added.
Bobboyi also commended the teacher development unit for organizing training programs, calling them an effective strategy for ensuring quality education.
Earlier, Yusuf Kabir, Executive Secretary of the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board, announced that the state government has approved the replacement of retired teachers every three months. He also revealed plans to build additional classrooms in each local government area to alleviate overcrowding and improve the learning environment. “We have also procured teaching and learning materials to facilitate smooth and effective education,” Kabir said.
The 30 School Support Officers selected from across the state were trained to assist teachers in core subjects like Mathematics, English, and Science, with the aim of boosting student performance.
