For generations, Nigerians have repeated the familiar saying: “A teacher’s reward is in heaven.” It is a phrase intended to celebrate the selflessness, patience and sacrifice of those who dedicate their lives to educating others.
But in today’s Nigeria, the saying raises an uncomfortable question: Must a teacher’s reward really wait until heaven?
Teachers, like every other worker, live in the same economy. They pay rent, buy food, pay transport fares, settle medical bills and provide for their families. Their children also need school fees, clothing and other necessities. Good intentions and public praise cannot pay these bills.
Teaching is undoubtedly one of the most important professions in any society. Every doctor, engineer, lawyer, scientist, pilot, entrepreneur, politician and civil servant begins as a student under the guidance of teachers. Before society celebrates the achievements of these professionals, there is usually a teacher somewhere who helped to lay the foundation.
Yet, despite this enormous responsibility, the welfare of many Nigerian teachers remains a matter of concern.
The introduction of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage was expected to improve the situation for workers, including teachers. However, implementation has not been uniform across the country. Reports have also highlighted cases of teachers, particularly in some private schools, earning wages far below what is required to maintain a decent standard of living.
This situation should concern every Nigerian because the consequences extend beyond the teachers themselves.
An underpaid teacher is not necessarily an incompetent teacher. Many teachers remain committed to their profession despite financial difficulties. They enter classrooms every day, prepare lessons, mark scripts, manage large classes and encourage students, even when their own financial circumstances are difficult. But passion has limits.
It is unrealistic to expect a teacher who is struggling to pay rent, feed a family or meet basic needs to remain permanently motivated simply because teaching is a noble profession.
The argument that teachers should accept low wages because they are serving humanity must therefore be challenged.
Welfare of the people delivering it.
This does not mean that money is the only motivation for teachers. Far from it. Many teachers derive enormous satisfaction from watching their students succeed. There is a unique reward in meeting a former student who has become a doctor, engineer, business owner, academic or responsible citizen and knowing that one played a part in that journey.
That is indeed a reward.
But it should be in addition to, not instead of, decent remuneration.
Nigeria cannot build a world-class education system while asking teachers to survive on sacrifice alone.
The teacher’s reward may well be in heaven. But the teacher’s salary, dignity and welfare belong here on earth.
And Nigeria should begin treating them that way.
