The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has emphasized the need for increased recruitment of professional teachers and investments in their development. This call to action was made in her message commemorating the 2025 World Teachers’ Day, held on Sunday in Abuja, with the theme “Focusing on the Global Teacher Shortage”.
Senator Tinubu highlighted the urgency of addressing the shortage of teachers, considering the pivotal role they play in society. She stressed that teaching is one of the most noble professions, and therefore, deserves more attention and care. The First Lady suggested that empowering educators, investing in their growth, and inspiring more individuals to join the profession are essential steps in tackling the teacher shortage.
As a former teacher herself, Senator Tinubu expressed her admiration for the work that teachers do, describing them as “true heroes” who shape minds, nurture dreams, and guide generations. She took the opportunity to salute teachers on their special day, acknowledging the significant impact they have on society.
The global theme for this year’s World Teachers’ Day, “Focusing on the Global Teacher Shortage”, underscores the pressing need for countries to prioritize teacher recruitment and development. According to the United Nations, the world needs to recruit approximately 69 million teachers to achieve universal primary and secondary education by 2030.
In Nigeria, the teacher shortage is a significant challenge, with many schools facing difficulties in recruiting and retaining qualified teachers. The federal government has initiated various programs aimed at addressing this issue, including the establishment of teacher training institutions and the implementation of incentive schemes to attract more people to the profession.
As the world celebrates World Teachers’ Day, Senator Tinubu’s call to action serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in education and the teaching profession. By prioritizing teacher recruitment and development, governments can help ensure that all children have access to quality education, which is essential for achieving sustainable development and improving socio-economic outcomes.
