Registrar highlights global teacher shortage, urges Nigerian educators to embrace technology

• Ajiboye encouraged aspiring educators to prepare for global opportunities by embracing technology
  

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Prof. Olusegun Ajiboye, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, has underscored a significant shortage of teachers both in Africa and globally.

Speaking at the 10th anniversary and sixth convocation ceremony of Corona College of Education in Ilupeju, Ajiboye urged Nigerian teachers to view themselves as global professionals and to become proficient in technology to thrive in the global market.

“The world needs teachers. There is a shortage of about 45 million teachers globally, with Africa experiencing a severe deficit and Nigeria accounting for a significant portion with a shortage of about 15 million teachers,” Ajiboye stated.

He highlighted the growing trend of teacher mobility, noting, “In two years, the UK has recruited about 2,000 Nigerian teachers. In 2022, Canada recruited about 600 Nigerian teachers. This shows that teacher mobility is high now. Not just doctors moving abroad, teachers are also moving out in large numbers.”

Ajiboye encouraged aspiring educators to prepare for global opportunities by embracing technology and seeing themselves as global teachers.

“Anyone who wants to take up this profession shouldn’t see themselves as a local teacher. You must be well-prepared and know how to use technology. You are for the global market. See yourself as a global teacher. You can teach in any part of the world. Many Nigerians should be encouraged to enter the teaching profession.”

Prof. Chijioke Okwelle, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education and the special guest of honour, praised Corona College of Education for its role in producing quality teachers and enhancing education in Nigeria. “This institution is an outstanding college of education. We are impressed with its teaching and instructional facilities employed in service delivery. It inculcates training that will make the children creative and innovative. If other private colleges can reach the standard of Corona, it will ease the commission’s work, and we will have enough teachers to make the country proud,” Okwelle said.