Education

Educationist demands higher qualifications, better pay for teachers

Published

5 months ago

June 10, 2025

By Anifowoshe Oladipupo

Prominent education advocate and CEO of Educare, Alex Onyia, has proposed bold reforms aimed at revamping Nigeria’s ailing education system; starting with demanding higher qualifications and better pay for teachers.

In a series of social media posts on Monday, Onyia insisted that the minimum requirement to become a teacher should be a master’s degree, with a second-class upper (2:1) in the first degree, arguing that “being a teacher should be something of great pride.”

“If I were in charge, I’d enforce this immediately,” he wrote, while also proposing a new starting salary of ₦400,000 monthly, an upward review from his earlier suggestion of ₦300,000 — alongside the provision of a new car payable over time.

Onyia cited Finland as a success story, where every teacher holds a master’s degree and is well-paid. “The best should train the coming generations,” he emphasized, also advocating biannual licence renewal linked to continuous training and exams.

His comments have stirred debate online.

Critics argue the master’s degree requirement is excessive. A user, Ikenna, said, “A bachelor’s degree holder is more than qualified to teach at primary and secondary levels. It’s not about the class of degree.”

Another, Mikail, warned the policy could disqualify over half of Nigerian schools, but admitted that purging substandard institutions could help raise standards.

J. Opara supported raising the bar but called for flexibility. “Let’s require a degree in Education, or a one-year PGD for non-education graduates,” he suggested. He also pushed for better welfare: mortgage and car loans, subsidized health care and school fees, and foreign training tied to service bonds.

Kolawole stressed practical competence over academic results: “Minimum requirement should be proven ability to teach, not just paper qualifications.”

Others expressed concern about rural realities. Holly Aboh questioned how low-income communities in places like rural Niger State could cope. Georgevin Jr. warned the plan could worsen educational access.

Despite the backlash, Onyia’s proposal has reignited urgent conversations on education quality, teacher dignity, and the future of learning in Nigeria.

Education

Three Teachers Manage 207 Pupils in Abaji School

Published

5 hours ago

November 7, 2025

By Olokuta Rofiat

Parents of pupils at the Local Education Authority (LEA), Primary School, Paikon-Basa, Gurdi Ward, Abaji Area Council, have decried the poor state of the school and acute shortage of teachers.

The school, established in 2007, has only three staff members, two teachers and a headteacher to manage 207 pupils, a situation that has crippled learning and discouraged attendance.

Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), Mr. Zakari Dalhatu, lamented the dilapidated classrooms, leaking roofs, and lack of desks, saying pupils often sit on bare floors to learn.

He appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), and the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), to deploy more teachers and rehabilitate the school to prevent a rise in out-of-school children in the area.

Education

UMYU Unions Begin Two-Week Warning Strike

Published

2 days ago

November 5, 2025

By Omoniyi David

Academic and non-academic activities have been paralysed at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina, as four campus unions embarked on a two-week warning strike effective November 3.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the ASUU-UMYU Chairman, Dr. Murtala Abdullahi, the unions, ASUU, SSANU, NAAT, and NASU said the action followed the state government’s failure to honour agreements reached since 2020.

Dr. Abdullahi noted that despite repeated appeals and a recent three-week grace period, the government had failed to address issues concerning staff welfare, job security, and the university’s autonomy.

“The government’s continued inaction shows a lack of seriousness in addressing our members’ plight,” he said, adding that the strike became necessary after exhausting all avenues of dialogue.

The unions appealed to students, parents, and the public for understanding, stressing that their action aimed to safeguard quality education and staff welfare.

They warned that if the government fails to act within the two-week window, the unions would decide on further steps.

Education

Falaki Inducted into EKSU Alumni Hall of Fame

Published

3 days ago

November 4, 2025

By Samson Adeyanju

The Ekiti State University (EKSU), Alumni Association has honoured Mr. Akinsanmi Falaki, a distinguished banker and business leader, with induction into its prestigious Hall of Fame.

Falaki, who holds degrees in Business Management and Human Resource Management, was recognized for his outstanding achievements in the financial sector and exemplary leadership.

The seasoned banker began his career as an intern at EIB International Bank in 2003 and has since held senior positions in Skye Bank, Union Bank, and Keystone Bank, where he rose to Assistant General Manager.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Alumni Association President described him as “a beacon of excellence and integrity” and a true ambassador of the University’s values.

In his remarks, Falaki dedicated the honour to all EKSU graduates “making a difference across sectors,” pledging continued support for initiatives that advance his alma mater’s growth and reputation.