Wahab Azeez, the Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos State, has advocated improved education funding, an enhanced welfare package, and training for teachers to elevate their status and that of their profession.

In an interview to commemorate the 2026 World Teachers’ Day (WTD) on Monday in Lagos, he said Nigeria’s education sector needs stronger financial commitment from authorities.

Mr Azeez noted that the country remains among nations with low budget allocations to education.

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated every October 5 to recognise teachers’ contributions to education and society while promoting improved status, working conditions, professional development and support for educators.

According to him, inadequate funding affects teachers’ welfare, professional development and motivation, thereby weakening efforts to attract and retain highly qualified teachers.

“Authorities must increase funding substantially to strengthen the teaching profession and improve learning outcomes,” he said.

He urged governments to prioritise teachers’ welfare and ensure their remuneration would reflect the importance of education to national development.

Mr Azeez also called for rewards and regular training for teachers, who, he said, deserve incentives and opportunities to update their knowledge, skills and classroom practices.

“Rewards and training for teachers in Nigeria should be top-notch, as done in other countries that value education.

“Professional growth improves teaching quality and national development,” he said.

He stressed the need to make teaching competitive, saying that the profession should attract the country’s best minds rather than remain open to all comers.

Similarly, the National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) called for an improved welfare package and continuous training for teachers to enhance quality education.

The chairman of the board of trustees of NAPTAN, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, described teachers as critical to the intellectual, moral and skills development of young people.

Mr Ogunbanjo said teachers play a significant role in helping students discover and develop their talents and skills in areas including sports and crafts.

He said governments must improve teachers’ conditions of service through better remuneration, housing schemes and other incentives that would make the profession more attractive.

“Government should collaborate with the Nigeria Union of Teachers and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria to ensure continuous teacher education and professional development,” he said.

Mr Ogunbanjo said the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and other digital technologies has made it imperative for teachers to acquire relevant skills to effectively prepare students for the future.

He praised teachers for their contributions to nation-building.

(NAN)