2025 World Teachers Day: NUT frowns against privatization of education, calls for inclusive quality education

By Mariam Abeeb

The National President of Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, Comrade Audu Titus Amba has frowned against privatization of education, called for inclusive and equitable quality education.
He made this known during his address at the 2025 World Teachers Day Celebration , themed “ Recasting Teaching As A Collaborative Profession, held in Abuja.
He explained that privatization of education in any guise create disparities in educational opportunities and social inequalities.
He added that it’s negates the collective desire and commitment as a nation, to provide compulsory, free universal basic education for all.
He expressed worries that some governments are adopting policies that promote privatization and commercialization of education through handover to schools to mission and voluntary agencies.
He highlighted on the recent handover of some schools by the Edo State Government to missions and calls on the government to rescinds it decision.
“In NIgeria, the right to education is guaranteed by the 1999 constitution (as amended), the National Policy on Education (2013) , the child’s Right Act of 2003, and the compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act 2004 . It is therefore worrisome that some Government are adopting policies that promote privatization and commercialization of education through handover of schools to mission and voluntary agencies, rather than building and maintaining public schools that would provide that needed access and cater for the interest of all children, including the less privileged and the vulnerable, especially the girl-child , children with disabilities and those living in rural areas,”he said.
Furthermore, The NUT president said that educators around the world are using this year’s World Teachers’ Day to rally support for the teaching profession with the slogan “Together for teachers, Together for tomorrow “.
He said the Education International (EI) , the global union of federation of teachers and Education workers and one of the co- convening partners of the World Teachers’ Day calls on governments of nations to adequately fund public education, invest in teachers and support them in creating a peaceful, fair and sustainable future for all.
He reiterated that the theme underscores the transformative potential of collaboration for teachers, schools and education systems, which will not only help to reinforce a sense of belonging and purpose among teachers but also builds resilient equitable education systems.
Speaking on shortage of teachers, he stated that shortage of teachers has become a major challenge to education systems of nations around the world.
He said In Nigeria, available statics reveals an alarming man power crisis in primary and secondary schools especially in the rural areas.
According to UBEC (2024) there is a shortage of 194,876 teachers in public primary schools across the country .
He urged all tiers of government to ensure that the right number and quality of teachers are employed to promote effective education delivery and improve learning outcomes in the school systems .
The Minister of education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa during his remark at the 2025 World Teachers Day celebration has said the Ministry initiated numerous Policies to revitalize the teaching profession including the National Teacher Policy which ensures that teachers are professionally empowered and motivated.
He noted that peer support structures are being encouraged at school and zonal levels nationwide.
According to him, the sector is also leveraging ICT to connect teachers across states and provide access to global best practices.
He added that the ministry have a robust continuous professional development opportunity through the Teachers Registration Council (TRCN) of Nigeria, National Teachers Institute (NTI) and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
“The current situation being that TRCN concentrates on licensing, monitoring compliance to standards, registration and regulating the teaching profession while NTI focus and sustain in-service teacher training and continuous professional development at the basic and post-basic levels.
“Teaching is often viewed as an individual practice, which can make some teachers resist collaboration for fear of interference or added workload. To address this, it is essential to build and sustain a culture of trust, openness, and shared responsibility.
“We must note that Teachers shape all other professionals working behind closed classroom doors with little exchange of ideas, experiences, or support. Today, as education faces increasing demands and rapid change, the role of the teacher has evolved to become collaborative. He /She shares, learns, and grows with others in pursuit of collective student success is the new vision,” he stated.
The Minister while commending all stakeholders in achieving positive milestones for teachers nationwide, he implored community leaders, teacher unions, parents, and development partners to strengthen their efforts so that together they can effectively deliver on the promises of the Education for Renewed Hope Agenda and the Education targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4).
The Minister of state for education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad during her remark at the 2025 World Teacher’s , explained that this year’s theme, “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,” is particularly relevant to our national context.
She said that for too long, teaching in Nigeria has often been approached as an isolated responsibility, with each teacher carrying the heavy burden of instruction alone.
She noted that the realities of large class sizes, curriculum reforms, digital transitions, and diverse learner needs demand a more collaborative approach.
According to her, the Ministry is strengthening teacher collaboration through initiatives such as the National Teacher Development Policy (2022), the Digital Literacy and Skills Framework, and the promotion of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) across schools.
She added that these efforts are in line with our commitment to raising teacher quality, professional pride, and overall learning outcomes.
She noted that teaching is often viewed as an individual practice, which can make some teachers resist collaboration for fear of interference or added workload.
The Minister stressed that it is essential to build and sustain a culture of trust, openness, and shared responsibility.
Meanwhile , Award are presented to schools and individuals for outstanding performances.
A teacher from Ansarudeen school, Abeokuta, Ogun state, solanke francis Taiwo gets a car award for the best teacher in Nigeria , Woliwo Primary school, Onitsha, Anambra State get the best school in Nigeria , while 2nd best school in Nigeria goes to Onike Junior Girls School, Lagos State and among others.
The event was attended by dignitaries such as : Governor of Kastina, Dikko Radda, Governor of Adamawa, Ahmad’s Umaru Fintiri, Governor of Kebbi, Dr Nasir Idris, and Deputy Governor of Kogi state , Salifu Joel and among others.