Nigerian Teachers Demand Better Welfare on Teachers’ Day

On World Teachers’ Day, Nigerian teachers are calling for enhanced welfare, ongoing professional development, and stronger policy support. The 2026 celebration, organized by UNESCO, is themed “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures.” Mr. Samson Oyelere, principal secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Ogun State, emphasized the need for institutionalized continuous professional development to equip teachers for evolving educational demands.

He advocated for a sustainable welfare package that includes housing, health insurance, and a dignified pension system. Mrs. Jennifer Igba, an Abuja-based teacher, echoed the call for better working conditions, stating that teachers require institutional support to remain motivated.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation on the Status of Teachers, which established international standards for teachers’ rights, responsibilities, and working conditions. Oyelere also urged for continuity in education policies to ensure long-term planning is not disrupted by government changes.