Private schools are growing very fast in Nigeria. In many cities, they are now more popular than public schools. This is because many parents are not happy with the standard of public schools. They complain about crowded classrooms, old buildings, and poor teaching. Therefore, they turn to private schools to provide their children with a better future.
However, there is a significant issue that many people often overlook. Some private school owners prioritise financial gain over providing students with a quality education. They achieve this by hiring teachers at a low cost and with limited qualifications. Many of these teachers have no training in education. Some studied something else in school but are now teaching because they need any job they can get.
In Abuja, our findings show that many teachers in small private schools earn as little as N30,000 to N50,000 a month. This is far below what is needed to live a decent life in the city. Meanwhile, larger and more affluent schools pay their teachers up to N300,000 monthly and only employ qualified teachers.
Moses Akpa is one such teacher. He said, “I studied Mathematics at university. After completing my NYSC in 2016, I came to Abuja in search of work. I could not find a job, so I started teaching. I had no training, but it was the fastest job I could get.”
Even though many teachers are not qualified, parents still send their children to private schools. Why? Because they believe private schools are better than public ones. These schools have smaller class sizes, neater buildings, and sometimes offer foreign-style lessons. Parents feel they are giving their children a better chance.
Isaac Moji, a parent in Nyanya, explained, “I know the teachers may not be the best, but I still prefer private schools. The classes are not crowded, and the school looks clean and organised.”
Education experts are worried. Dr Iyela Ajayi, who leads the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), said, “Private schools are important. Nevertheless, if we continue to pay teachers poorly, we will never be able to attract top talent. We need to set rules so all schools meet the right standards.”
There are also reports of examination cheating in some private schools. Some schools focus solely on helping students pass examinations rather than assisting them to understand what they are learning. This can be dangerous in the long run. Children may pass examinations, but they often lack real knowledge and skills.
The truth is, while private schools are helping to solve the problems in public education, we must not ignore the hidden danger. If we continue to allow cheap labour and poor teacher training, our children will suffer. Good education needs good teachers. The government must ensure that all schools, both public and private, provide children with the quality education they deserve.
Leave feedback about this