Teachers are the backbone of education in every society, yet the problems they face in Nigeria, particularly in Northern Nigeria, persist.
Despite the vital role teachers play in shaping the future of children, their salaries are inadequate to meet their basic needs.
Teachers diligently arrive at schools early each morning to educate our children, yet they often have to wait up to 30 days to receive a salary that is below 40,000 Naira in many Nigerian states.
In the North East, particularly in Borno State, some teachers receive monthly salaries ranging from 6,500 to 12,000 Naira.
It is inconceivable how they can survive on such meager earnings, especially given the current economic hardships in the country?
Last month, in April, a social media uproar highlighted the issue of Borno State teachers earning below 15,000 Naira, causing nationwide outrage.
The federal government provides grants to each state to cover salaries and other expenses, so why are state governors unable to pay decent salaries or implement the minimum wage ?
It is well understood that a teacher’s role is crucial in a student’s life, yet teaching has become a fallback profession for those unable to find other employment due to the ease of obtaining a teaching job.
Given the ongoing salary issues, it is unrealistic to expect teachers to deliver quality education when they are preoccupied with basic survival needs like food and shelter.
The Nigerian government has removed petroleum subsidies and increased taxes on various items, exacerbating the financial strain on teachers.
With a salary of just 7,500 Naira, a teacher cannot afford to pay school fees for their own children, cover electricity bills, or pay rent.
Meanwhile, the cost of living continues to rise, with a bag of rice costing over N60,000Â far above the national minimum wage of 30,000 Naira, which many states, particularly Borno, have yet to implement.
Teachers are often seen as beggars because their salaries are so low that they cannot take care of themselves.
 In some cases, the government requires teachers to present bank statements before receiving their meager pay.
Resources meant for public welfare are often diverted by politicians and their families, who send their children abroad for education, while children in public schools suffer from inadequate resources and poorly paid teachers.
For instance, in southern Nigeria, Edo State has increased the minimum wage to N70,000 allowing teachers to earn a decent living. Why can’t other states follow suit and increase the minimum wage ?
Northern Nigeria faces a significant issue with out-of-school children, and while the government claims to be addressing this problem, little progress is evident.
In developed countries, teachers are among the highest-paid professionals, reflecting the value placed on education.
However, in Nigeria, teachers earn some of the lowest salaries, making it impossible for them to afford a home or pay rent.
Both the federal and state governments must urgently address the salary issues affecting teachers across the country.
Teachers are the foundation of education, yet they are the ones who suffer the most. Ensuring they are adequately compensated is essential for the future of education in Nigeria.
