Primary Education Under Threat as Private School Teachers Struggle with Poor Wages

Private school teachers across Nigeria face significant financial challenges, with many earning monthly salaries between ₦15,000 and ₦30,000—well below the national minimum wage of ₦70,000. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and other trade unions have called for a review of wages due to the rising cost of living, but the situation remains dire, particularly during holiday periods when many teachers go unpaid.

The non-payment of salaries during school holidays forces private school teachers to rely on savings, take on additional part-time work, or seek loans to cover basic expenses. This practice has become a source of anxiety for teachers, who are already stretched thin by their modest wages. At the same time, school proprietors are struggling to retain staff, while parents and students are concerned about the quality of education as underpaid teachers may be distracted by financial worries.

Financial Struggles and Coping Strategies

In Lagos, Mr. Akinola Victor Toluwani, a music and mathematics teacher, recounted the financial strain his family faces during holidays when salaries are not paid. To supplement his income, he learned data analysis and other skills, as holiday tutoring is no longer viable due to the seasonal absence of students. He said, “I had to cut back on expenses like daily data subscriptions and transport costs due to fuel scarcity. Now that school has resumed, I look forward to teaching my students about robotics and artificial intelligence.”

Similarly, Miss Nneoma Blessing, another teacher in Lagos, described her holiday experience as challenging but manageable thanks to careful financial planning. She relied on her savings and a side business making cultural beads to sustain herself during the unpaid break. “I had to adjust my expenses and stick to a strict budget, but I’m grateful my school provided stipends through summer lessons,” she said.

In Imo State, Mr. Lasisi Alaka, a secondary school teacher, struggled without pay during the holiday period. His wife, a businesswoman, became the primary breadwinner for the family, supporting them through the difficult times. Alaka expressed concern about the sustainability of his teaching career if the situation does not improve. “The government must intervene to ensure teachers are paid fairly so we can focus on educating young minds without financial burdens,” he stated.

Contrasting Experiences in Private Schools

While many private school teachers suffer from irregular pay, some schools have managed to offer more stable working conditions. Staff at St. Damaris Nursery and Primary School in Lagos reported consistent salary payments, even during holiday periods. “We’ve received our salaries on time for 12 consecutive months,” one teacher said, while her colleague, Mrs. Ijeoma Obi, added that their school’s management has been exceptional in ensuring staff welfare.

However, not all teachers are so fortunate. At Groom Base Nursery/Primary School, Miss Adeyemo Dorcas spoke about supplementing her income through fashion design and voluntary summer classes. Although summer classes provide some financial relief, the earnings primarily benefit the school, leaving teachers to rely on side businesses to make ends meet.

Burden on School Owners

Private school proprietors face their own challenges, particularly in maintaining operations amid Nigeria’s tough economic climate. Many have complained about multiple layers of taxation from local, state, and federal agencies, as well as resistance from parents to increasing school fees. These financial pressures leave many school owners struggling to pay their staff, especially during holidays when income streams from fees dwindle.

According to Mr. Yomi Otubela, National President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), while many schools under his association do pay staff throughout the year, some institutions face liquidity challenges. “Some schools operate without proper registration or adherence to corporate governance, making it difficult to maintain financial stability,” he said. NAPPS continues to advocate for better financial management among school owners and consistent payment of teachers’ salaries, even during holiday periods.

Otubela also highlighted the impact of inflation and rising costs on private schools, urging the government to reduce operational burdens through lower taxes on educational materials and access to concessional loans for school owners. He stressed that teachers are the backbone of quality education, and their welfare must be a priority.

Calls for Government Action

Education stakeholders have called on the government to address the financial challenges facing both teachers and school owners. Deputy National President of the National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Mr. Adeolu Ogunbanjo, urged the federal government to reverse the recent fuel price hike, which has compounded the financial difficulties of parents and educators alike.

“Government should make sacrifices to ease the burden on families and ensure children can return to school without financial strain,” Ogunbanjo said.

The situation underscores the urgent need for dialogue between private school proprietors, teachers, and the government to ensure sustainable solutions are found for the education sector. Without intervention, the future of primary education in Nigeria may be under serious threat.