We Must Confront the Teacher Shortage With Urgency — First Lady

Oluremi Tinubu celebrates educators on World Teachers’ Day, calls for renewed investment in the teaching profession

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for decisive action to tackle the global shortage of teachers, describing the issue as one of the most urgent challenges confronting education systems worldwide.

In a message marking the 2025 World Teachers’ Day, Mrs. Tinubu joined global leaders and educators in recognising the critical role teachers play in shaping nations, moulding generations, and safeguarding the future of humanity. She urged governments, stakeholders, and communities to give more priority to strengthening the teaching profession through better welfare, training, and motivation.

According to her, the theme of this year’s celebration, “Focusing on the Global Teacher Shortage” is a reminder that the world cannot achieve sustainable development without first ensuring that classrooms are filled with capable and inspired educators. She emphasised that no nation can rise above the quality of its teachers, noting that the profession remains central to building responsible citizens and prosperous societies.

Honouring a Lifelong Profession

Mrs. Tinubu, who has often spoken of her own background as a teacher, reaffirmed her deep respect for those who dedicate their lives to educating others. She described teachers as silent builders of societies whose daily sacrifices often go unnoticed but whose impact endures for generations.

She commended Nigerian teachers for their resilience and devotion, especially in the face of difficult conditions such as overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and delayed remuneration. The First Lady noted that despite these challenges, countless teachers continue to nurture hope and shape the minds that will define the nation’s future.

Her message highlighted the need to reposition the teaching profession to attract more young people, stressing that education should not be viewed merely as a job but as a noble calling that requires skill, patience, and compassion. She urged both the federal and state governments to create policies that make teaching more rewarding, both financially and socially.

The First Lady also called for more investment in teacher training colleges, digital education tools, and modern classroom infrastructure to help teachers adapt to emerging global trends. She maintained that empowering teachers through professional development and welfare improvements would not only enhance learning outcomes but also elevate national productivity.

A Call to Action for the Future

Tinubu’s message aligns with UNESCO’s global campaign for urgent action on teacher recruitment and retention. The United Nations agency has warned that the world will need more than 44 million additional teachers by 2030 to meet the universal education target. In Nigeria, where many public schools struggle with staff shortages, the problem remains acute, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Education experts have long argued that Nigeria’s teacher deficit undermines learning quality and widens inequality between urban and rural schools. The First Lady’s call, therefore, serves as a rallying point for renewed collaboration between government ministries, private partners, and civil society organisations to address the crisis.

Tinubu concluded her message with a note of appreciation to all teachers who continue to serve as pillars of knowledge and character formation. She urged them to remain steadfast in their commitment, assuring that their work remains vital to national progress.

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate World Teachers’ Day 2025, the First Lady’s message stands as both a tribute and a wake-up call, a reminder that investing in teachers is, ultimately, an investment in the country’s future.