Stakeholders fault FG’s plan to recall retired teachers

Education stakeholders have faulted the federal government’s plan to recall retired teachers as part of efforts to address the country’s worsening shortage of educators, warning that the initiative may fall short of expectations. The proposal is embedded in the newly introduced National Teacher Policy (NTP) by the Federal Ministry of Education, a reform framework unveiled […]

Education stakeholders have faulted the federal government’s plan to recall retired teachers as part of efforts to address the country’s worsening shortage of educators, warning that the initiative may fall short of expectations.

The proposal is embedded in the newly introduced National Teacher Policy (NTP) by the Federal Ministry of Education, a reform framework unveiled in late 2025 to strengthen teacher preparation, recruitment, and management across the education sector.

The policy also introduces stricter professional requirements, including mandatory licensing and a minimum of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), aimed at improving standards in both public and private schools.

As part of its implementation strategy, the policy allows for the temporary engagement of retired teachers and skilled volunteers to fill urgent staffing gaps, particularly in crisis-affected and underserved areas.

It also emphasizes the recruitment of teachers from local communities to enhance retention and reduce high turnover.

“The federal ministry of education and state ministries of education shall ensure that teachers are recruited from among the local communities so as to promote retention. In case of crisis areas where retired teachers and highly skilled volunteers are available, state Ministries of Education shall consider recruitment temporarily to fill existing human resource shortages,” the policy stated.

To encourage deployment to rural and hard-to-reach areas, the government plans to provide incentives, including financial allowances, housing, and professional development opportunities, along with an additional 15 per cent of consolidated salary.

The move comes amid a significant teacher deficit estimated at 194,876 in public primary schools nationwide, a gap widely associated with overcrowded classrooms and declining learning outcomes. The urgency of the situation was highlighted during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day by the President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Audu Titus Amba, who warned of its broader implications.

“It is alarming that Nigeria has a shortage of 194,876 teachers in public primary schools across the country… This manpower crisis has grave implications for the quality of education and learning outcomes in our schools,” Amba said then.

However, concerns are mounting among education stakeholders over the federal government’s plan.

Mr Temitope Peter, Chief Executive Officer of Boar Tutors, acknowledged that while the idea appears practical on the surface, its effectiveness remains uncertain.

“I think it’s a good idea to bring them back, but the question is: will they be productive and effective? Yes, they are qualified, but time may have passed them by. They are retired but not tired,” he said.

He, however, expressed reservations about relying heavily on retirees, arguing that the approach may not fully address the realities of modern classrooms. According to him, a more sustainable solution would involve tapping into younger talent within the system.

“It will be better for the government to recruit student teachers from the 300 level, pay them allowances, as well as send in more corps members to schools to fill in the gap. We know there is a huge deficit, but bringing in retired teachers may not work well,” he added.

Similarly, a teacher at the Lead British International School, Mrs Adeyinka Adetunji, strongly criticised the policy, describing it as a step in the wrong direction. She argued that many retired teachers may struggle to adapt to the demands of contemporary education, particularly in an increasingly digital learning environment.

“It is a bad move from the government. These retirees are not computer literate, and they can’t cope with the pressure from teaching these 21st century children. These people trained us, but will find it difficult to train them,” she said.

Adetunji stressed the need for systemic reforms that would better support active teachers and attract younger professionals into the sector.

“All we need is a structured system where people like me can thrive. I am a certified and licensed teacher with 15 years’ experience,” she noted.

She also advocated policies that would improve accountability and standards in public education, suggesting that public officials should enroll their children in public schools. In her view, the focus should be on recruiting younger, innovative educators.

“The government should employ those between 30 and 45 years old who are energetic and innovative, but they must be highly motivated with a very conducive environment,” she added.

A teacher at the Excellent Favour Academy, Blessing Ogbu, described the move as a blend of opportunities and challenges. According to her, while retired educators bring valuable experience to the classroom, their ability to adapt to modern teaching demands remains a concern.

“It is not bad and yet not good. This move has its advantages as well as disadvantages,” she said.

Highlighting the strengths of the initiative, Ogbu noted that retired teachers possess years of experience and often have a deeper understanding of student engagement. “The advantage is that they have long-standing experience and know how to relate better with the students,” she added.

However, she cautioned that adjusting to today’s rapidly evolving education system could pose difficulties. “The disadvantages will be their inability to cope with the system effectively,” she said, pointing to the increasing role of technology in teaching.

She suggested that a balanced approach may yield better results, recommending collaboration between older and younger educators.

“They can bring them, but will need the younger ones to help them out, especially in AI, robotics and others,” she said.