Stakeholders in the education sector have said that no meaningful education reform can succeed in Nigeria without placing teachers at the centre of policy, planning and implementation, insisting that improved welfare, professional recognition and capacity development are critical to quality learning.
The call was made on Saturday at the 2026 “Let There Be Teachers” Conference held at the Alfa Belgore Hall, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, with the theme, “From Record to Reforms: A National HOPE Attempt for Teachers.”
The conference brought together teachers and education stakeholders across Ekiti State to examine challenges confronting the profession and explore practical solutions.
Legal icon and founder of the university, Aare Afe Babalola, described teaching as one of the greatest contributions to humanity, noting that teachers play a critical role in shaping future generations, developing talents and producing professionals who contribute to national growth.
Babalola expressed concern over the challenges facing teachers, including poor remuneration, delayed salaries, inadequate teaching materials and limited opportunities for career advancement. He maintained that teachers’ passion for their profession should not be used as an excuse to deny them decent living conditions and professional dignity.
The convener, Dr Oluwaseyi Anifowose, said the conference was organised to move advocacy for teachers from public appreciation to practical action, stressing that teachers should occupy a central position in national discussions, policies and decisions on education.
Anifowose described teaching as a profession built on passion and professional dignity, adding that the movement would extend its advocacy to Kano, Lagos, Edo, Akwa Ibom and Abuja to strengthen the national conversation on teachers’ welfare and educational reforms.
The Ekiti State Coordinator of the movement, Mrs Taiwo Babawale, said the conference was designed to equip teachers with practical skills through workshops on artificial intelligence in the curriculum, emotional development, classroom management and managing professional burnout.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, emphasised the lasting influence of teachers beyond the classroom, urging stakeholders to translate discussions on educational challenges into concrete reforms that would strengthen the profession and improve learning outcomes.