Private School Teachers Face Financial Strain

Many private school teachers dread holiday periods due to the common practice of proprietors not paying salaries during these breaks. This financial strain forces many teachers to rely on savings, work part-time, or seek loans to meet basic needs.

The start of the school term also brings challenges for private school owners, who struggle to retain their teaching staff. Meanwhile, parents and students are increasingly worried about the impact on the quality of education. Many private schools in Nigeria pay their teachers between N15,000 and N30,000 per month, which is far below the minimum wage of N70,000. This has led to calls from the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and other unions for a review, especially in light of rising fuel prices. Teachers in private schools also lack the right to unionize, further limiting their ability to advocate for better conditions.

During holidays, many teachers feel frustrated and concerned about their financial security, even as they remain committed to their pupils. Teacher turnover is high during these periods, with many moving to better-paying schools or other jobs. Those who stay often do so due to personal circumstances, like married women who prefer not to work far from home or teachers who rely on additional income from tutoring.

As schools resume, teachers are hopeful that their employers will begin paying salaries again, allowing them to focus on delivering quality education without financial worries.