The Federal Government has formally inaugurated the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed–headed Expanded Negotiation Committee for Tertiary Institutions, designed to fast-track talks with both academic and non-academic unions across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in the country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday morning by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, “Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the new committee was established to harmonize all negotiation processes under a unified and coordinated framework that ensures institutional continuity and sector-wide inclusiveness.”

He further noted that, unlike previous methods where individual unions were addressed separately, the current arrangement would bring all parties to the table for a consolidated and long-term resolution.

“The membership has been carefully selected to reflect the full spectrum of the education sector, ensuring that no group is left behind,” Dr. Alausa stated.

The Minister revealed that the committee has been equipped with a dedicated secretariat to support its operations and mentioned that the first meeting would hold at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7. He encouraged all unions to show commitment and respond swiftly to the committee’s invitations.

He added that President Bola Tinubu has given his full endorsement to the process, mandating that all discussions be concluded efficiently, equitably, and in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

“President Tinubu’s message is clear, all our children must remain in school. This is the Renewed Hope Agenda in action,” Dr. Alausa said, appreciating the unions for their patience and commitment.

Also speaking, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, applauded the Education Ministry for adopting a collective and consultative approach. He pointed out that genuine and enduring peace within the education sector can only be attained when every relevant stakeholder is part of the conversation.

He urged members of the committee to act as neutral facilitators, emphasizing justice and balance in all deliberations, while stressing that their early participation would aid in seamless execution of final resolutions.

Dingyadi reiterated that President Tinubu remains committed to achieving sustainable industrial harmony through constructive dialogue, engagement, and consistent communication to prevent future disruptions in the academic calendar.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed thanked the government for the trust placed in them and pledged that the committee would carry out its assignment with accountability, openness, and inclusiveness.

He assured that their focus would go beyond striking deals with unions, extending to practical recommendations that promote enduring stability and progress within the nation’s tertiary institutions.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its resolve to rebuild confidence and restore calm across tertiary institutions through genuine consultation and effective leadership, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu—an agenda where students stay in school, educators are respected, and educational institutions flourish in unity and peace.

Every year on October 6, the world pauses to celebrate teachers, the backbone of every nation’s development. World Teacher’s Day, established by UNESCO, is more than a ceremonial recognition; it is a moment to reflect on the role of teachers in shaping the future of societies.

The Realities: Between Passion And Pressure

Teaching in Nigeria has always been more than just a profession; it is an act of service. But the realities confronting teachers today test even the most passionate. Many face meagre salaries that barely sustain their households. According to data from education unions, some public-school teachers earn less than ₦50,000 monthly, often with delayed payments stretching for months.

The conditions under which many teachers work remain far from ideal. In rural communities, one teacher may handle multiple subjects across several grade levels, sometimes in makeshift classrooms without chairs or blackboards. Even in urban centres, overcrowded classrooms, sometimes housing over 80 pupils, make personalized learning nearly impossible.

Still, for many Nigerian teachers, quitting is not an option. They see their classrooms not just as workplaces but as spaces where they can change lives, one lesson at a time.

The Struggles: Innovation Amid Scarcity

What stands out most about Nigerian teachers is their ability to innovate even when resources are scarce. In schools without electricity or internet access, teachers have turned to handmade visual aids, storytelling, and peer learning to keep lessons engaging.

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, many teachers recorded lessons with basic phones, shared assignments through WhatsApp, and worked with community volunteers to keep children learning. Others leveraged local radio and community spaces to reach students who had no access to online platforms. These efforts underscore a truth often overlooked: while technology remains a challenge, creativity has become a lifeline for Nigerian education.

Yet such innovation often comes at a personal cost. Many teachers use their own salaries to buy classroom materials, print worksheets, or contribute to school maintenance. Their sacrifices often go unseen but remain the quiet foundation of learning across the country.

The Triumphs

Despite these struggles, there are countless stories of triumph. Teachers across Nigeria continue to produce exceptional students who excel in national examinations and competitions. In several states, educators have been recognized by local governments and NGOs for pioneering creative teaching methods and mentoring young learners in underserved communities.

Some teachers have introduced basic computer literacy classes using personal laptops. Others have created informal reading clubs and after-school programs that nurture confidence and curiosity among students. These everyday successes show that the spirit of teaching in Nigeria is not defined by what is lacking but by what is possible through dedication.

Voices From Social Media: Nigerians Celebrate Their Teachers

Across X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms, World Teachers’ Day inspired a wave of heartfelt posts. Nigerians, including both educators and members of the public, shared gratitude, reflections, and personal stories that highlighted the lasting impact of teaching in the country.

User @lorun_omo wrote, “They equip their students for the challenges ahead. They deserve one billion bear hugs for everything they do daily on and off the clock.”

@jndazhaga celebrated teachers for their everyday impact, saying, “Happy World Teachers’ Day to the incredible educators who shape minds, inspire dreams, and change lives every single day! Your patience, creativity, and dedication don’t go unnoticed. You’re not just teaching lessons; you’re building futures.”

Adding their own voice from within the profession, @DDuguryil shared, “From a young teacher with chalk-dusted hands and big dreams to a professor still chasing that same spark in every classroom. The faces change, the impact remains. Happy World Teachers’ Day to everyone still making a difference.”

In a more reflective tone, @enebome quoted Charles Kuralt, writing, “When we become a really mature, grown-up, wise society, we will put teachers at the center of the community, where they belong. We don’t honor them enough, we don’t pay them enough.”

As the applause for World Teachers’ Day fades, the true measure of celebration lies in how society values its teachers beyond annual speeches and hashtags. Sustainable reform in Nigeria’s education system must start with the people at its heart: teachers.

Improving welfare, providing modern teaching tools, and creating environments that reward innovation are essential to national development.

For now, amid the chalk dust and crowded classrooms, Nigerian teachers continue to redefine education through resilience, creativity, and an unyielding belief in the power of knowledge.