The Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Professor Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, has disclosed that no teacher in Lagos State earns less than ₦150,000 per month, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to prioritizing teachers’ welfare and motivation.
She made this revelation during an event themed “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,” held at LASUED’s Ijanikin campus on Monday to commemorate the 2025 World Teachers’ Day. The event brought together educators, policymakers, and education stakeholders to reflect on the challenges and future of teaching in Nigeria.
Lagos State’s Commitment to Teachers’ Welfare
Professor Lafiaji-Okuneye emphasized that Lagos State has one of the most competitive salary structures for teachers in Nigeria, noting that the government has consistently implemented policies to enhance the dignity and motivation of educators.
“In Lagos State, I can tell you authoritatively that we are building our teachers’ world, and no teacher goes home with less than ₦150,000 in the state. But we can do better,” she stated.
The Vice-Chancellor underscored that fair remuneration remains critical to improving education quality. According to her, when teachers are undervalued, underpaid, and unsupported, it erodes morale, triggers brain drain, and reduces the attractiveness of the profession to talented young people.
The Link Between Teacher Welfare and Quality Education
Speaking further, Professor Lafiaji-Okuneye noted that the quality of education in any society is directly tied to how teachers are treated. She called for continuous reforms to raise the professional and financial status of educators, adding that well-motivated teachers produce better learning outcomes.
“When teachers are motivated, adequately trained, and empowered, they inspire excellence in students and build societies that can compete globally,” she said.
Challenges Facing the Teaching Profession
While celebrating teachers for their selfless service, the LASUED VC also highlighted lingering challenges within the profession. She pointed out that many teachers across Nigeria still face issues such as:
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Poor working conditions and limited infrastructure.
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Insufficient access to professional development opportunities.
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Inadequate recognition from society.
She emphasized that addressing these problems is key to restoring pride in the teaching profession and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Call for Increased Investment in Education Infrastructure
Professor Lafiaji-Okuneye urged the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with TETFund and other education agencies, to allocate at least 20% of the state’s annual education budget toward upgrading classroom infrastructure.
She suggested that this funding should also cover the provision of digital learning tools, and the establishment of modern science and technology laboratories in public schools beginning from the 2026 fiscal year.
“Investment in modern classrooms and technology-driven education is essential for preparing both teachers and students for the future,” she added.
Recent Reforms in Teacher Development
At the federal level, efforts to professionalize and standardize teaching have also intensified. In August 2025, the Federal Ministry of Education launched a digital portal for teachers’ registration, licensing, and certification, managed under the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
Additionally, TRCN has streamlined its Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE) from 23 subjects to five key areas — foundational mathematics, literacy, pedagogy, digital literacy, and safeguarding — to make certification more focused and efficient.
According to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, non-education graduates with at least 12 months of classroom experience can now obtain certification through an abridged NTI programme, designed to formalize and strengthen the nation’s teaching workforce.
Looking Ahead
The LASUED VC concluded her remarks by celebrating the dedication of teachers across Lagos and Nigeria, urging continued reforms and recognition for their critical role in shaping the nation’s future.
Her statement reinforces Lagos State’s reputation as a pacesetter in education reforms and teacher welfare, setting an example for other states to emulate as Nigeria works toward achieving sustainable education development and global competitiveness.
