Table of Content
- Shortage of Teachers
- Commendation of Government Efforts
- Need for More Teachers
- Infrastructure Challenges
- Teacher Welfare and Benefits
- Goodwill Message
The Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) expressed concern over the lack of teachers in the state's public schools on Sunday.
Bernard Gbenga Ajobiewe, the state chairman of NUT, highlighted this issue during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration in Benin City, which focused on the theme, ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession’.
Ajobiewe praised the government led by Governor Monday Okpebholo for the infrastructural improvements made in schools, but emphasized that these developments would be meaningless without sufficient teaching staff.
He pointed out that the shortage of teachers is particularly severe in rural areas.
According to him, the administration of Adams Oshiomhole left behind over 13,000 teachers, a number that has dwindled to approximately 6,000 by the end of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s tenure.
The NUT chairman noted that an additional 7,000 teachers are required in the basic education sector.
“We want to emphasize that after all the reconstruction and renovations of our schools, if there are no teachers present, it equates to doing nothing,” he stated.
“We want to highlight the critical shortage of teachers in our schools, especially in rural areas. Therefore, we urge the government to recruit more teachers to fill the existing gaps, ensuring that teaching and learning can be effective in our schools.”
“We also recognize the dilapidated conditions of some schools, particularly in rural areas. While the government is making efforts, we must continue to intensify our initiatives, as there are still challenges regarding infrastructure,” he added.
“Our motto is that every Edo child should have access to quality education. For this to happen, all necessary facilities must be available in every school, regardless of whether it is located in a hamlet, village, or city; all schools must have equal access to resources,” he concluded.
The NUT chairman further called for the immediate implementation of financial benefits for teachers, including promotions and overdue arrears, as well as a comprehensive welfare policy that covers housing, insurance, and incentives for rural postings.
He also advocated for recognition of outstanding teachers and students/pupils and the inclusion of NUT leadership as board members in the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in accordance with the UBEC law.
Ajobiewe commended the governor for his efforts in several areas, including the regular payment of salaries, support for educational reforms, the provision of a minimum wage of N75,000 for workers, and the renovation of schools throughout the state.
In his goodwill message, the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Bernard Joman Egwakhide, echoed the call for the recruitment of more teachers in the state.
Egwakhide lamented that his findings indicated that Edo State is among the states with the fewest teachers in public schools in the country.
What is the current situation regarding the teacher shortage in Edo State?
The Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers has reported a significant shortage of teachers in public schools, particularly in rural areas, with the number of teachers decreasing from over 13,000 to about 6,000.
What actions are being requested by the NUT chairman?
The NUT chairman is urging the government to recruit more teachers, implement financial benefits, and improve infrastructure in schools to ensure effective teaching and learning.
