STATUS OF NIGERIA TEACHERS: IMPLICATIONS ON STEAM EDUCATION AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

AKINTOLA David Akinjide, Ph.D.

Abstract

Teachers are the professionals with the requisite knowledge needed for the students to learn using their content knowledge, experience and pedagogical skills. Furthermore, teachers teach, train, mentor and produce other professionals. Likewise, educational and national development depends on the quality and quantity of professionals produced by teachers. Teachers also contribute to the development of STEAM education through which the development of a nation is achievable. Despite the crucial roles of teachers, their status in Nigeria among other professionals is poor. This poor status of Nigerian teachers is: affecting negatively, the global image and recognition of Nigeria professionals; causing relegation of educational qualities of Nigerians among other nations; responsible for retardation of Nigeria development. This paper therefore addressed; status of teachers among other professions in Nigeria, different status among Nigeria teachers, implications of the status of Nigeria teachers on STEAM education and national development. To ensure quality STEAM education and national development, it was suggested that government should give Nigeria teachers recognition by; paying them good salaries, effecting their promotions promptly, sponsoring teachers in local, national and international seminars and protecting them from any form of harassment and intimidation among others.