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On Sunday, October 5, 2025, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, issued a passionate call to action to address the escalating global shortage of teachers, describing the teaching profession as one of the most noble and indispensable pillars of society. In a heartfelt message commemorating World Teachers’ Day 2025, themed “Focusing on the Global Teacher Shortage,” Senator Tinubu underscored the urgent need for concerted efforts to empower educators, invest in their professional development, and attract new talent to the profession to safeguard the future of education worldwide.
In her address, the First Lady emphasized that the teacher shortage is not merely a statistical challenge but a critical issue that threatens the foundation of education systems globally. “The shortage of teachers is a challenge we must confront with urgency, by empowering educators, investing in their growth, and inspiring more to join this noble profession,” she stated. Her words resonate deeply in a world where millions of children remain out of school due to a lack of qualified educators, and where existing teachers often face overwhelming workloads, inadequate resources, and insufficient recognition.
Senator Tinubu, a lifelong educator herself, spoke with profound admiration for teachers, describing them as “true heroes, shaping minds, nurturing dreams, and guiding generations.” She highlighted the transformative role teachers play in fostering intellectual growth, critical thinking, and moral values that shape individuals and, by extension, entire societies. Teachers, she noted, are the architects of progress, laying the groundwork for innovation, leadership, and sustainable development. Their dedication, often in the face of adversity, ensures that the foundations of learning remain strong, even in the most challenging circumstances.
“As a lifelong teacher myself, I salute you all on this special day,” Senator Tinubu declared, extending her heartfelt gratitude to educators across Nigeria and beyond. Her personal connection to the teaching profession lent authenticity and depth to her message, as she reflected on her own experiences in the classroom and the profound impact teachers have on their students. Her words served as both a tribute to the tireless efforts of educators and a rallying cry for governments, institutions, and communities to prioritize their welfare.
The First Lady’s message also underscored the pivotal role of teachers in national development. Education, she argued, is the cornerstone of any progressive society, and teachers are the linchpins of this transformative process. By equipping young minds with knowledge, skills, and values, teachers contribute to building inclusive, equitable, and forward-thinking communities. However, she cautioned that this vision can only be realized when teachers are valued, supported, and provided with the tools they need to thrive. “Investing in teachers remains key to building a more inclusive and progressive society,” she affirmed, urging stakeholders to prioritize policies and initiatives that enhance teacher training, improve working conditions, and provide competitive remuneration.
The global teacher shortage, which forms the theme of World Teachers’ Day 2025, is a pressing issue that has garnered increasing attention from policymakers, educators, and international organizations. According to UNESCO, the world needs to recruit and train millions of additional teachers to achieve universal primary and secondary education by 2030, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, faces a severe deficit, with countries like Nigeria grappling with overcrowded classrooms, underfunded schools, and a high turnover of educators due to low pay and challenging working conditions.
In Nigeria, the teacher shortage is compounded by systemic challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to professional development, and societal perceptions that undervalue the teaching profession. These issues have led to a decline in the number of young people pursuing teaching as a career, further exacerbating the gap. Senator Tinubu’s call to action aligns with global efforts to reverse this trend by promoting teaching as a respected and rewarding profession. She advocated for initiatives that not only attract new teachers but also retain experienced ones through incentives, professional growth opportunities, and recognition of their contributions.
World Teachers’ Day, observed annually on October 5, serves as a global platform to celebrate the invaluable contributions of teachers while highlighting critical issues affecting the profession. Established in 1994 by UNESCO, the day commemorates the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, which sets benchmarks for the rights and responsibilities of teachers, as well as standards for their training, recruitment, and working conditions. The 2025 theme, “Focusing on the Global Teacher Shortage,” draws attention to the urgent need to address the supply-demand imbalance in the teaching workforce and to create sustainable solutions that ensure quality education for all.
The teacher shortage is a multifaceted problem with far-reaching implications. In many regions, the lack of qualified teachers disproportionately affects marginalized communities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. Rural areas, conflict zones, and underprivileged urban centers often bear the brunt of this crisis, with children in these areas facing limited access to education. The shortage also places immense pressure on existing teachers, who are often required to manage large class sizes, teach multiple subjects, and work with limited resources. This not only affects the quality of education but also leads to burnout and attrition among educators.
To address these challenges, Senator Tinubu advocated for a holistic approach that includes investment in teacher training programs, the integration of technology in education, and the creation of supportive work environments. She emphasized the importance of equipping teachers with modern pedagogical skills and access to digital tools to enhance their effectiveness in the classroom. Additionally, she called for policies that promote gender equity in the teaching profession, noting that women, who make up a significant portion of the teaching workforce in many countries, often face unique challenges such as work-life balance and limited opportunities for career advancement.
The First Lady’s message also highlighted the role of public-private partnerships in addressing the teacher shortage. By collaborating with non-governmental organizations, private institutions, and international agencies, governments can leverage additional resources to train and support teachers. Such partnerships can also facilitate the exchange of best practices and innovative solutions, helping to build resilient education systems that can withstand global challenges.
In Nigeria, initiatives such as the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program and teacher training schemes have made strides in improving access to education and supporting educators. However, Senator Tinubu stressed that more needs to be done to ensure that these efforts translate into tangible improvements for teachers and students alike. She urged policymakers to prioritize education in national budgets, allocate resources to underserved areas, and engage with teachers’ unions to address their concerns.
As the world marks World Teachers’ Day 2025, Senator Tinubu’s message serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role teachers play in shaping the future. Her call to action resonates not only in Nigeria but across the globe, where the teacher shortage remains a shared challenge. By investing in teachers, societies can unlock the potential of future generations, fostering innovation, resilience, and progress. The First Lady’s words inspire hope and determination, urging all stakeholders—governments, communities, and individuals—to come together in support of educators.
In closing, Senator Tinubu reiterated her deep appreciation for teachers, whom she described as the heartbeat of education. “Your work is the foundation upon which we build our future,” she said, encouraging teachers to remain steadfast in their mission despite the challenges they face. Her message is a clarion call to action, a reminder that the path to a brighter, more equitable world begins with valuing and supporting those who dedicate their lives to teaching.
