Nigeria: Brain Drain – Provost Seeks Better Remuneration for Education Graduates

Provost Dr. Ademola Azeez of the Federal College of Education (Technical) in Akoka, Lagos, has called for adequate remuneration for education professionals to curb brain drain. Speaking to journalists yesterday, he noted that current salaries for education graduates are generally discouraging. While some college graduates remain unemployed, those who secure jobs are often underpaid and exploited. “If you go to primary or junior secondary schools, I don’t expect to find university graduates teaching there; it should be NCE graduates because they are trained for that purpose and have the temperament,” he explained. “As a PhD holder, I cannot be expected to teach in a primary school; I lack the temperament for it. Therefore, teachers and other professionals at that level must be paid well because they are professionals.”

Regarding ongoing projects at the college, Azeez reported that the Technical Education workshop, initiated by his administration, is about 90 percent complete. Laboratories for the School of Science—specifically for the Physics Education, Chemistry Education, Integrated Science, Biology, and Computer Education departments—are also nearing completion. He added that a 500‑seat lecture theatre, the first of its kind in the college, has been finished and handed over by the contractor. Infrastructure for the Fine Arts and Agricultural Education departments in the School of Vocational Education is likewise about 90 percent complete. Additionally, the college has inaugurated a Student Activity Centre, funded by TETFund, which is now fully operational.

The provost also highlighted the establishment of the Entrepreneurship Education Department and the Centre for Vocational, Technical and Entrepreneurship Development (CEVTED), aimed at equipping students with practical vocational skills. “It is a directorate on its own. We make it compulsory for all students to register for an entrepreneurial skill of their choice, separate from the regular academic programme. Whether you are a science or business education student, you must attend the centre for a course between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; all students leave their classrooms for this programme.” He noted that students have been participating since the 300 level, many of whom are now applying what they have learned and earning income from their ventures.