Survey: Public school teachers say midterm marred by economic challenges, makes them restless

The compulsory one-week midterm break for government and private school teachers across Lagos and several southwest states has been overshadowed by economic challenges, according to a survey conducted by Edugist.

Teachers in public schools in Lagos, Ogun, and Ibadan have voiced concerns over the increasing prices of goods and services, making it difficult for them to find respite during the break.

Economic Hardships Impacting Teachers
Teachers participating in the midterm break have expressed that this period is no longer just for rest but has become a time to explore additional sources of income due to the unfavourable economic conditions. Many teachers, especially those engaged in full-time teaching across both public and private schools, find themselves struggling to cope with the rising cost of living.

Farotimi Odedina, a mathematics teacher in a public school in Ogun State, shared his firsthand experience of the economic challenges. He highlighted the drastic changes observed between January and February, noting the instability in the prices of goods and services. According to him, this instability adversely affects both low and high-income earners, making it difficult to afford essential items despite having the necessary funds. Mr. Odedina, with over six years of teaching experience, emphasized that he has never encountered such a challenging period in his career.

Ms Awoyale, a social studies teacher in a public school in Lagos, shared that the economy is not making life easy and bearable for teachers. She listed the challenges such as the lack of value for money, lack of rest of mind due to economic challenges, economic instability and the ever-increasing price of goods and services.

Madam Sijuade, a veteran educator and school administrator alleged that the government of the day seems not to understand the implication of the economic challenges and we teachers are left out already because we have always been marginalised.

Ishola, a school owner in Oyo claimed that students can’t even relax as many of them are on the street hawking, selling and helping their parents. He noted that teachers who shouldn’t be resting are all over doing lessons, tutorials and some other menial jobs just to stay alive and make ends meet.

“In light of the recent midterm break, many teachers, including myself, see it as a valuable opportunity for self-reflection. However, the economic challenges we face, compounded by limited financial resources, remain a significant concern. There is a need for mechanisms to alleviate our financial strain and prevent demotivation among educators.” – Akeem Alao, Landmark College, Ikorodu

Government Response

Despite the plight of teachers, there is growing concern about the government’s perceived lack of action and concern about teachers’ plight regarding the economic situation. Teachers express worry over the apparent disconnect between government policies and the reality faced by citizens on the ground.

Call for Support

Educators are calling for urgent intervention to alleviate the economic burden on teachers and other vulnerable groups. They emphasize the importance of policymakers understanding the challenges faced by educators and taking proactive steps to address them.

As public school teachers in southwest Nigeria observe the midterm break, they are grappling with economic challenges that have cast a shadow over what should be a period of rest. The survey conducted by Edugist underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to mitigate the impact of the economic downturn on teachers and ensure their well-being amidst these trying times.

In the face of economic turbulence, teachers often find themselves grappling with financial strain, exacerbated by rising costs of living and stagnant wages. However, amidst these challenges, there exist viable strategies for educators to navigate and mitigate the impact of economic hardships. This survey also explores various approaches that teachers can adopt to survive and thrive during tough economic times.

Budgeting and Financial Planning:One of the fundamental pillars of financial resilience is effective budgeting. Teachers can benefit greatly from creating detailed budgets that allocate funds to essential expenses while identifying areas where spending can be reduced. By tracking their income and expenses meticulously, educators can gain a clearer understanding of their financial situation and make informed decisions to manage their resources more efficiently.

Diversifying Income Streams: In today’s gig economy, teachers have the opportunity to explore supplemental income sources beyond their primary teaching roles. Tutoring, freelance writing, online teaching, and part-time jobs are just a few examples of alternative income streams that educators can pursue to supplement their earnings. By diversifying their sources of income, teachers can buffer themselves against economic instability and create a more robust financial foundation.

Read also: Education activities in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo resume amidst financial strain

Continuous Professional Development: Investing in ongoing professional development is not only beneficial for career advancement but also serves as a strategic financial move for teachers. By acquiring new skills, certifications, or qualifications, educators can increase their marketability and open up opportunities for higher-paying roles within the education sector or related industries. Additionally, professional development can enhance job satisfaction and morale, contributing to overall well-being amidst economic challenges.

Building a Support Network: In times of financial hardship, the importance of community and social support cannot be overstated. Teachers can benefit from building strong relationships within the education community, whether through colleagues, mentors, or professional associations. These networks can serve as invaluable sources of advice, resources, and emotional support, providing encouragement and solidarity during tough times.

Advocacy and Collective Action: Addressing systemic issues contributing to economic challenges in the education sector requires collective action and advocacy. Teachers have a powerful voice and can advocate for fair wages, improved benefits, and better working conditions through unions, professional associations, or grassroots movements. By coming together to advocate for change, educators can effect meaningful improvements that benefit not only themselves but also future generations of teachers.

In conclusion, while economic challenges may pose significant hurdles for teachers, there are numerous strategies that educators can employ to navigate these difficulties effectively. By prioritizing budgeting, diversifying income streams, investing in professional development, building a support network, and advocating for systemic change, teachers can not only survive but also thrive in the face of economic uncertainty. Through resilience, resourcefulness, and collective action, educators can weather the storm and continue to fulfil their vital role in shaping the future of society.

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