Private Schools in Nigeria: The Silent Exploitation of Teachers
Private Schools in Nigeria: The Silent Exploitation of Teachers
As schools in Nigeria approach the long holiday season in August, the excitement of learners contrasts sharply with the reality for many private school teachers. Instead of rest, this period often brings financial hardship.
Years ago, long holidays stretched from September to December, giving students and teachers three months of rest before resuming in January. That changed in the 1990s with the full implementation of the 6-3-3-4 education system. Private schools sprang up across the country, introducing “summer coaching” during the break and cutting holidays down to six weeks.
For many teachers, the problem is not just the reduced holiday but the unpaid break. In numerous private schools, the phrase “no work, no pay” leaves staff without income for the entire holiday. Fathers and mothers working in these institutions are left struggling to provide for their families.
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Some schools, however, take a different approach. In certain institutions in Ibadan and Lagos, teachers receive part or even full salaries during the break. In rare cases, schools share proceeds from summer lessons with their staff. One notable example is a school in Ikorodu, where the proprietor, influenced by his experience abroad, ensured teachers were paid in full holiday or not.
But such cases are exceptions. Many teachers in private schools across Nigeria endure poor pay, excessive workloads, and unpaid holidays. Some are in school from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, yet earn as little as ₦15,000 a month in a country where the minimum wage is ₦70,000.
The lack of strong unions for private school staff worsens the problem. Government employed teachers enjoy protection under labour laws, but private school staff are often left without a voice. Many keep silent for fear of losing their jobs in a market where opportunities are scarce.
Education stakeholders argue that the government must step in. Stricter labour laws should apply to private schools, ensuring fair pay and mandatory salaries during holidays. Owners who cannot meet these obligations should reconsider running schools.
Teachers are the backbone of education. When they are overworked, underpaid, and denied basic rights, the entire learning system suffers. Nigeria cannot afford to treat its educators like disposable labour.
Content Credit : Blessing Dada
Image Credit : Google Search.Com
