Teaching is more than a profession—it is a calling that requires passion, resilience, and creativity. In Nigeria, teachers play a vital role in shaping the future, often going beyond textbooks to inspire, mentor, and guide learners through life.
In this edition of My Teaching Life, Edugist spotlights Mrs. Aishah Emmanuel, a passionate French teacher at Landmark College, Ikorodu, who has dedicated nearly a decade to making language learning fun, relatable, and inspiring for her students.
She shares her journey, memorable classroom moments, and reflections on what it truly means to be a teacher in today’s Nigeria.
Can you briefly introduce yourself?
My name is Aishah Emmanuel, and I am a French teacher at Landmark College, Ikorodu. I teach both junior and senior classes, helping students build a strong foundation in the French language.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I have always had a passion for teaching, right from secondary school. Interestingly, we didn’t have a French teacher at the time, so whenever there were teachers’ meetings or PTA sessions, I would step in to teach junior classes with the little French I knew.
Later, I went on to study French at university, and after graduation, I naturally embraced teaching. It’s been over eight years now, and I have never looked back.
What is teaching life like for you?
Teaching life is both fun and hectic. But honestly, I enjoy going to class, especially with my JS1 students. They are very enthusiastic about learning French, and their energy is contagious. I also love the warm hugs and the cheerful “I love you Mrs. Emmanuel!” I hear almost every day—it keeps me going.
Do you have a memorable classroom moment you’d like to share?
Yes, one of my most memorable moments was when a student tried to pronounce French words as if they were Yoruba. For example, he said écoutez (listen) sounds like èkúté (rat in Yoruba), and the whole class burst into laughter. They even found more funny similarities, like il est sûr, il est mort sounding like ilé sù, ilé mó. What made it memorable was that beyond the laughter, the students actually remembered the correct meanings and learned new vocabulary in the process. It’s one of those fun moments that make teaching worthwhile.
How has teaching changed since you started?
Since I began teaching in 2016, I’ve noticed that the profession has become much more dynamic. Technology has changed the way we engage learners—teaching is no longer just about standing in front of the class and giving notes. It now requires creativity, interactive methods, and digital tools to make learning meaningful. At the same time, expectations from parents and society keep increasing.
Teachers are no longer just educators; we are also mentors, counselors, and role models.
What do you think people often misunderstand about teaching?
Many people think teaching is an “easy” job. They don’t realize the level of preparation, patience, and emotional strength required. Behind every lesson is hours of planning, constant adaptation, and the challenge of carrying along students with different learning needs. Teaching is not just delivering content—it is about shaping lives.
In your view, what makes a great teacher in Nigeria?
A great teacher combines knowledge with empathy and creativity. It’s not enough to know your subject—you must be able to connect with students, understand their struggles, and inspire them despite challenges like limited resources or financial difficulties. In Nigeria, where students often look up to their teachers beyond academics, qualities like patience, adaptability, integrity, and discipline are just as important. Students tend to learn more from who you are than from what you say.
What is one achievement you are especially proud of as a teacher?
One of my proudest moments was helping a senior student who almost gave up on French. In SS2, she wanted to drop the subject, saying it was too hard. I knew she was only scared, so I introduced her to French through fun and engaging songs. She began to see familiar words, verbs, and expressions in the lyrics, and suddenly, she regained her confidence.
I worked closely with her until her exams, and she ended up with a B2 in WAEC and an A in NECO. Beyond that, she developed such a strong passion for French that she joined a French school while waiting for university admission. Seeing how her mindset changed is one of my greatest rewards as a teacher.
If you could change one thing about the Nigerian education system, what would it be?
I would reduce the heavy reliance on rote memorization and focus more on critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills. Many students memorize for exams but struggle to apply knowledge in real life. If we shift towards application-based learning, we would better prepare young Nigerians for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
What might your students be surprised to know about you?
My students might be surprised to know that outside the classroom, I am a shoemaker, and I also work as a dynamic MC and hype woman at events. Teaching is my passion, but I also love expressing myself in other creative ways.
Mrs. Aishah Emmanuel’s journey reminds us that teaching is not just about imparting knowledge—it’s about touching lives, inspiring confidence, and nurturing potential. Her story shows the power of passion, creativity, and empathy in transforming the classroom into a space of growth and discovery.
