Hamid Bobboyi, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, has made a startling revelation that more than 30% of Nigeria’s teaching workforce has departed from the profession over the past three years.
These revelations came to light during a six-day training workshop conducted by the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board in partnership with UBEC. The workshop aimed at providing training on SMASE and Jolly Phonics to 30 School Support Officers in Kano on Thursday.
Bobboyi expressed his concern over the situation, describing it as alarming. He pointed out that while some teachers retired, others left in search of better opportunities, leaving vacant positions that were never filled.
He commended the proactive steps taken by the Kano State Government to recruit new teachers to replace those who retired. He urged other states to follow Kano’s example.
Bobboyi stated, “Nationwide, in the last three years, particularly beginning with COVID-19, we have lost over 30% of our teaching workforce. This is a very concerning trend, with many teachers either retiring or leaving without replacements being made.
“I am pleased to see Kano taking proactive measures in addressing this issue. I hope that other states will also learn from Kano and prioritize this matter,” he added.
He stressed the importance of ensuring the welfare of teachers, emphasizing their critical role in shaping the future leaders of the country.
“Teachers are a cornerstone of our society. Neglecting their well-being means neglecting the future of our nation. It is crucial to take care of our teachers so that they, in turn, can nurture the next generation,” he highlighted.
Bobboyi lauded the efforts of the teacher development unit in organizing training sessions for educators, noting that it was a valuable strategy to enhance the quality of education.
Yusuf Kabir, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board, revealed that the state government has approved a quarterly replacement plan for retired teachers.
He also mentioned that additional classrooms are being constructed in each local government area to reduce overcrowding and create a conducive learning environment.
“We have also acquired teaching and learning materials to facilitate the learning process,” Kabir added.
The 30 School Support Officers selected from various parts of the state underwent training to assist teachers in teaching core subjects like Mathematics, English, and Science in order to enhance students’ academic performance.