Shortage of Professional Teachers in Nigerian Educational Institutions and the way Forward

Abstract

The role of the teachers in the implementation of school curriculum cannot be underestimated. As important as the roles of the teachers to the development of education, it is unfortunate that these teachers are in shortage in most of the Nigerian educational institutions. This paper examines the factors responsible for the shortage of professional teachers in the Nigerian educational institutions. Inadequate funding, limited teacher education institutions, corruption, lack of manpower planning, brain-drain and poor motivation were identified as the factors responsible for shortage of professional teachers in the Nigerian educational institutions. To address these challenges; the presenters recommended the following; increment in the funding of teacher education institutions, establishment of more of teacher education institutions, fight all forms of corruption in the higher institutions, develop strategic manpower planning for educational institutions, provide conducive working environment and increase the salaries of teachers in all educational institutions.