TEACHING IS A PROFESSION, NOT AN ACT OF CHARITY_ BY ADESHINA EXCELLENCE

Teaching is a noble profession, but its nobility should not become a justification for poor remuneration.

Teachers have financial responsibilities, family obligations, personal aspirations and economic needs, just like professionals in medicine, law, engineering and other fields. The fact that teaching involves service to humanity does not mean that teachers should be expected to sacrifice their financial well-being. Professional dedication and financial security are not mutually exclusive. A teacher can be passionate about shaping lives while legitimately demanding compensation that reflects the value of the profession.

Furthermore, commitment should be encouraged and rewarded, not exploited. Unfortunately, the language of sacrifice and passion is sometimes used to normalise inadequate salaries and excessive workloads.

Teachers are frequently reminded that their reward is in heaven, while their immediate economic realities receive insufficient attention. Such reasoning overlooks the fundamental principle that every profession deserves dignity, fairness and economic recognition. The nobility of teaching should strengthen the argument for better remuneration rather than weaken it.

 A profession becomes more attractive and enviable when its practitioners are adequately remunerated and socially respected. If society genuinely desires competent, innovative and intellectually sound teachers, it must create conditions that attract and retain such individuals. Poor remuneration can discourage talented graduates from entering the profession and push experienced teachers towards more financially rewarding careers. Educational excellence cannot be sustained indefinitely through personal sacrifice alone. A society that places enormous expectations on teachers must be equally willing to invest in their welfare.

 Teaching may be a calling, but a calling does not cancel economic responsibility. Teachers deserve more than applause. 

 Finally, How can we inspire the younger generation to embrace teaching as a profession when those already in it struggle with poor remuneration? A profession that fails to provide financial security will inevitably struggle to attract and retain talented individuals. 

We need joyful, motivated and fulfilled teachers in our classrooms. 

© ADESHINA EXCELLENCE 

-Nigeria.