The Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Ofeme-Ohuhu in Umuahia, Abia State, Hajjia Rabia Adamu, has warned that Nigeria is heading for a full-blown crisis in the education sector due to a massive shortage of teachers.
Adamu gave the warning on Friday at the maiden matriculation ceremony of the institution, where 160 students were formally admitted into the college. She noted that the system is stretched far beyond its limits and needs at least 1.2 million teachers to restore balance.
One Teacher to 500 Pupils in Some Schools
Speaking passionately, Adamu explained that the United Nations and education experts recommend a teacher-to-pupil ratio of 1:25, but Nigeria’s classrooms tell a different story. In many schools across the country, a single teacher struggles to handle 300 to 500 pupils at once, a reality that undermines learning outcomes.
“This is why your decision to study education is critical,” she told the new students, stressing that the profession is central to the future of the nation.
Low Enrollment in Core Education Courses
A breakdown of the college’s admissions revealed a worrying trend. Out of 160 matriculants, 44 chose business-related courses, 20 opted for social sciences, while only about 15 enrolled in political science. Few showed interest in core teacher education disciplines like sciences, mathematics, or early childhood education — areas where Nigeria suffers the sharpest manpower deficit.
Adamu said this imbalance reflects the wider crisis in teacher recruitment and training. She called on government to fully implement the National Teacher Education Policy, a framework designed to professionalize teaching and make it attractive to young Nigerians.
