Teachers' voice: a policy research report on teachers' motivation and perceptions of their profession in Nigeria

It is increasingly recognised that in some countries teachers’ efforts are sometimes unsustainable, due to factors influencing motivation. This report by VSO considers teachers in Nigeria and highlights how they are working in challenging conditions aggravated by poor remuneration, delays in the administration of salaries, allowances and promotions and disrespect from government, parents and the community at large.

The report details how teachers feel ignored in the decision-making process and powerless in their efforts to improve the learning experience of their students, despite their desire and eagerness. Policy makers are putting demands and expectations on teachers to carry out new initiatives without their involvement. This not only creates the feeling of ignorance from above, but also presents many obstacles in the implementation of new plans.

Recommendations include:

• employ enough teachers to comply with the government’s recommended pupil–teacher ratio of 35:1, ensuring an adequate number of teachers per school
• stakeholders, including teachers, must be involved in education policymaking, implementation and evaluation as a responsibility as well as a right
• the delivery system of school materials needs to be improved and streamlined through the setting up of regional networks for storage and distribution
• the NUT should develop well-informed positions on debates about quality and relevance of education as well as fighting for the betterment of teachers

The report concludes that research has demonstrated the need for change in the Nigerian education system, confirmed by the present demotivated, devalued and demoralised workforce. Focusing on core issues revealed in this study for reform, would make teachers feel more motivated and satisfied in their job and would deliver a better quality of education to future generations.