In a recent announcement, Hamid Bobboyi, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), revealed that over 30% of Nigeria’s teaching workforce has exited the profession in the last three years. This startling figure was shared during a six-day training workshop held in Kano, organized by the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board in collaboration with UBEC.
The workshop, which aimed to enhance educational quality, focused on training 30 School Support Officers in Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education (SMASE) and Jolly Phonics. Bobboyi expressed deep concern over the significant loss of teachers, noting that many retired while others left in search of better opportunities, with few replacements being made to fill these gaps.
Bobboyi praised the Kano State Government for its proactive efforts in tackling the issue by recruiting new teachers and replacing those who have retired. He encouraged other states to take similar actions to address the alarming decline in the teaching workforce. He highlighted the severity of the situation, saying, “Since COVID-19 began, we have lost over 30 percent of our teaching workforce nationwide. This is a serious concern. Kano’s proactive steps in addressing this issue are commendable, and I hope other states will adopt similar measures.”
Bobboyi emphasized the vital role teachers play in the nation’s development, showing the need to prioritize their welfare. He cautioned that neglecting teachers would result in the neglect of students, which would thereby hinder the country’s progress. “Teachers are the cornerstone of our educational system. Ensuring their welfare is crucial for nurturing the next generation of leaders,” he added.
Bobboyi also praised the teacher development unit for organizing training programs, which he described as an effective strategy for maintaining high educational standards.
Yusuf Kabir, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board, also addressed the gathering. He shared that the state government has introduced a policy to replace retired teachers every three months, ensuring a steady flow of educators in the system. Additionally, the government has approved the construction of more classrooms in each local government area to tackle overcrowding and improve the learning environment. “We have also procured teaching and learning materials to facilitate smooth and effective education,” Kabir explained.
The 30 School Support Officers trained during the workshop were selected from various parts of the state to assist teachers in core subjects such as Mathematics, English, and Science, with the aim of improving student performance.
