In the bustling classrooms of Lagos, where the future of Nigeria is quietly being shaped, some teachers stand out not only for their skill but for the passion and resilience that drives their work. One such teacher is Ogechi Favour Tugbiyele, an educator with over two decades of experience, currently teaching phonics at Queedy’s Grooming Montessori Arena, Sangotedo and Ages Home School, Badore, Ajah.
In this exclusive interview with Edugist, she opens up about her journey from a secondary school graduate eager to work, to becoming a seasoned teacher, administrator, trainer, and advocate for education in underserved communities. With remarkable candour, she shares her highs, her challenges, and her vision for the Nigerian education system.
Let’s start with the basics — your name, where you teach, and what class or subject you currently handle.
My name is Ogechi Favour Tugbiyele. I currently teach phonics at Queedy’s Grooming Montessori Arena, Sangotedo, Lagos, and Ages Home School, Badore, Ajah, Lagos.
What inspired you to become a teacher, and how long have you been in the profession?
I was inspired to start teaching right after my secondary school education because I wanted to understand what it meant to work. My first teaching role was at Wyse City Schools, Laduba Street, Afromedia, Ojo, Lagos, where I worked as an assistant teacher and school typist. That was in 2005, and since then, I have dedicated 21 years of my life to teaching.
Walk us through a typical day in your classroom. What does “teaching life” look like for you?
My teaching journey has taken me through various schools and roles. After Wyse City Schools, I enrolled for my NCE in Economics/Mathematics at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (2007–2010), while still working at Sheffyville Private School, Ajakaiye bus stop, Afromedia, where I taught Primary 1 for two years.
Later, I joined Garden of Grace Schools, Jakande, Ojo, teaching Christian Religious Knowledge and Social Studies to secondary students (JS1–SS3). I loved being part of the school’s fellowship activities and enjoyed working with my colleagues.
My career took a new turn when I moved to the Island to pursue opportunities in British–Nigerian schools. At Gracefield Schools, Agungi, Lekki, I taught Year 1 and was exposed to blended curricula, role-play teaching, worksheets, and research projects. It was also there that I learnt to teach phonics and attended numerous professional development programmes.
I resigned when I gained admission into the University of Lagos for a B.Sc in Economics after scoring 120 in the entrance exam, well above the 80 cut-off mark. Later, I joined Craigton Heights Montessori School, Ikota Villa Estate, Lagos, as the pioneer primary teacher, eventually rising to Executive Assistant cum School Administrator. Over five years, I moved from the classroom to the boardroom, overseeing day-to-day school operations and receiving premium training at Corona Schools Trust Council’s Training Centre.
I also found mentors like Dr. Ifueko Thomas and Dr. Vera James, and ventured into training facilitation. Later, I worked closely with Dr. Toyin Sam-Emehelu of CoreSkills Transformational Academy Limited (CTAL), where I was her Executive Assistant and Social Media Advocate for three years. That role was intense but highly transformational.
Share a memorable classroom moment — one that still makes you smile or gets you emotional.
One of my most emotional moments happened with a Year 2 pupil from a broken home. She only saw her father during court sessions and once confided in me that she longed for him to attend her school events. I hugged her, prayed with her, and assured her that nothing was impossible with God.
Years later, when I had become a school administrator, she visited me with her parents. Her father thanked me deeply, saying his daughter had told him of my impact on her life. They even brought gifts. That experience reminded me of the power of being a prayerful and committed teacher.
What are the biggest challenges you currently face as a teacher in Nigeria?
The shortage of professional teachers and the lack of basic teaching resources in low-income communities are major challenges. I’ve spent 21 years in this profession, and I can boldly say children in such communities need more support.
I call on well-meaning Nigerians, organisations, and institutions to direct their CSR initiatives towards schools and children in low-income areas. Schools must also embrace technology for teaching and record-keeping, while parents should prioritise providing learning gadgets at home.
Another concern is the culture of parents doing their children’s projects. Teachers should design assignments children can complete independently to avoid situations where adults produce the work for them.
How has the teaching profession changed since you started, and what do you think people often misunderstand about it?
Teaching has evolved with better methodologies, technology, collaboration, and feedback systems. In the past, many people only joined the profession as a last resort. Today, it’s becoming a deliberate and respected career path.
As Operations Manager at Leadhand Education Consult, Lagos, I help interview teachers alongside my boss, Coach Gift Godfrey. It’s easy to spot those who are not truly committed. Unlike before, teachers can no longer just read from textbooks; mastery of the subject and innovation are key.
What, in your opinion, makes a truly great teacher — especially in the Nigerian context?
A truly great teacher has mastery of their subject, is a lifelong learner, and thinks beyond the classroom. They consider the welfare of their pupils, contribute to the growth of their schools, conduct research, and seek collaborations.
Great teachers diversify their income, remain prayerful, maintain their health, and find ways to recharge — whether through vacations, natural environments, or simple healthy habits.
Tell us about a student (or group) you’re especially proud of and why they stand out.
I’m particularly proud of my work with The Makoko Dream Foundation School, Yaba, where I’ve been a volunteer education consultant for almost two years. Under the leadership of Mr. Emmanuel Agunze, the foundation uses education and technology to transform lives in the Makoko community. Many of our pupils have graduated to secondary schools and are excelling. It’s inspiring to see education break barriers in such a community.
If you had the power to change one thing about the Nigerian education system, what would it be?
I would make education free for all. If leaders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo could make it possible in the past, we can do much more today.
Free education would mean access to quality teachers, learning materials, feeding programmes, and better infrastructure. I’d also reintroduce the shift system, where students attend morning or evening sessions. This way, children would have time in between to learn vocational and life skills.
And finally, what’s one thing your students might be surprised to learn about you when you’re not teaching?
They might be surprised to know that I’m a great cook! I also run side businesses, including selling fresh farm eggs in bulk to Nigerian families. Teaching is my passion, but I believe in diversifying income streams.
From teaching phonics in Ajah to mentoring teachers across Lagos, Ogechi Favour Tugbiyele’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and lifelong learning. Her story underscores an important truth: that teaching in Nigeria, despite its challenges, can still be a transformative calling — one that shapes lives far beyond the classroom.
Lovely 👍