By Lateefa Babatunde
From time immemorial, maybe not too long, people have conceived the notion that the teaching profession is the least reliable job in Nigeria today. This is evident from how society disrespects those in the field.
While underpayment commands disrespect to the field, the efforts of those in the field are most times not valued. That was not the situation several years back. Nigerian teachers of the ancient times command respect, they exude passion and great value. Teaching was seen as an escape from poverty. However, not the situation instantly, the tide turned. Transition.
Further, Education is supposed to be the foundation of any nation, but what happens when the nation’s pride is already dying? With a lot of people not wanting to do the job, what is the fate of the sector? How do we compensate those ready to do the job? Note that, while compensation is less, incompetent hands will inevitably become the other of the day.
Teaching is not a bad job, Our government should try to value Nigerian teachers. Back in my secondary school days, there were times when we didn’t have a mathematics teacher. The poor woman in charge had to leave for her trading business. While she is very competent in her job, the certificate she is holding betrayed her. She got a moderate fortune from other dealings outside the classroom. Alas, she dropped the pen. That competent hand was lost in my school forever.
Conclusively, adequate funding will prevent the sector from wallowing in the ditch of decay. Should the teachers be treated well? I believe the profession will improve positively, even better than the field it used to be in the ancient days.