RismadarVoice Reporters, April 25, 2026
Education stakeholders have called on the Federal and state governments to prioritise the welfare of teachers, warning that meaningful reforms in Nigeria’s education sector cannot be achieved without sustained investment in the profession.
The call was made at the 2026 “Let There Be Teachers Conference” held in Abuja, where participants emphasised the central role of teachers in national development and the need to improve their working conditions.
Speaking at the event, the convener, Oluwaseyi Anifowose, said efforts must go beyond symbolic recognition of teachers to implementing structural reforms that restore dignity to the profession. He noted that teachers remain critical to shaping future generations despite facing challenging conditions in classrooms across the country.
Stakeholders at the conference stressed that inadequate welfare, poor motivation, and limited professional development opportunities continue to undermine the quality of education. They argued that placing teachers at the centre of policy decisions would significantly improve learning outcomes nationwide.
Anifowose further highlighted the realities faced by many teachers, noting that their contributions often go unnoticed despite their role in nation-building. He said the initiative seeks to drive long-term reforms that address the everyday challenges confronting educators.
Participants also underscored the need for governments to invest in teacher training, welfare packages, and incentives capable of attracting and retaining qualified professionals in the sector.
The conference, supported by the Federal Ministry of Education, brought together policymakers, development partners, and education advocates, who collectively agreed that improving teachers’ welfare is key to achieving sustainable reforms in Nigeria’s education system.
The renewed calls come amid growing concerns over low motivation among teachers, delayed career progression, and poor incentives, particularly in rural areas, which stakeholders say continue to affect the overall performance of the education sector.
