By David Chukwueke
The theme, “Standing With Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing Its Status,” provides an opportunity to reflect deeply on the place of teachers and the teaching profession in our society.
One of the most abused, bastardised, neglected and poorly recognised professions, especially in Nigeria, is the teaching profession. Teaching is often not accorded the dignity and recognition it deserves. In some quarters, it is viewed as a low-status or “laid-back” profession.
This perception, however, does not reflect the enormous contribution teachers make to the development of individuals, institutions and society.
The teaching profession remains one of the noblest and most foundational professions in the world. Almost every profession is built upon the work of a teacher. The doctor, lawyer, engineer, architect, journalist, pilot, scientist, administrator and politician all passed through the hands of teachers. Even when a learner studies independently, that learner is often engaging with knowledge produced, organised or communicated by a teacher or scholar.
The teacher is therefore at the root of virtually every profession.
Sadly, the teaching profession is not adequately protected or valued in Nigeria. In the past, teachers were widely regarded as judges, leaders, mentors and respected members of their communities. Today, many teachers face inadequate remuneration, limited professional recognition and challenging working conditions. In many cases, the teacher is not given the respect that should accompany such an important responsibility.
The teacher is a developer of the mind and a builder of society. It is the teacher who helps to build, mould and shape the individual, equipping learners with knowledge, values, skills and the capacity to understand themselves and the society in which they live.
The teacher also helps to discover and develop the positive potential of the individual. A good teacher does not merely transfer information; a teacher inspires, guides, challenges and empowers learners to become better versions of themselves.
When we talk about “Standing With Teachers,” we are talking about respecting, honouring, protecting and supporting teachers and the teaching profession. Standing with teachers means recognising that teaching is not merely a job but a profession with profound responsibilities for the present and future of society.
When we stand with teachers, we promote the dignity and positive image of the profession. We create an environment in which teachers can work with confidence, commitment and a sense of purpose. It also means advocating for fair remuneration, professional development, decent working conditions and appropriate recognition.
A teacher who feels respected and valued is better positioned to give his or her best to the development of learners.
Consequently, investing in teachers is an investment in education, human capital and the future of society.
The commemoration of World Teachers’ Day also reminds us of the importance of protecting the teaching profession and advancing its status. The occasion should not merely be about speeches, celebrations and ceremonies. It should also be an opportunity to examine the realities teachers face and to consider practical ways of improving their professional lives.
If we continue to neglect teachers and lay the teaching profession aside, society may continue to experience the consequences of an education system that is unable to realise its full potential. The quality of education is closely connected to the quality, welfare, preparation and professional standing of teachers.
Therefore, standing with teachers means standing for the future.
When we advance the status of teaching as a noble profession, we are not merely improving the lives of teachers; we are helping to shape the future of our children, our institutions and our society.
Let us, therefore, respect the teacher.
Let us honour the teacher.
Let us support the teacher.
Let us protect the teaching profession.
And above all, let us recognise that when we stand with teachers, we stand with the future.
Dr. David Chukwueke,
Curator and Founder, Nigerian Literary Society (NLS), wrote this piece to commemorate the 2026 World Teachers Day on October 5.
