With the celebration of World Teachers’ Day on October 5, 2025, it was a moment to honour the dedication, resilience, and hard work of educators globally. This year’s theme, “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,” underscores the importance of teamwork and mutual support among teachers. Yet, beneath the celebratory tone lied a sobering truth: education is facing numerous challenges that affect teachers, students, and the very fabric of our societies.
The challenges are many. They include, among others, the Global Teacher Shortage: According to UNESCO, the world will need approximately 44 million new primary and secondary teachers by 2030 to meet the demand for education. Sub-Saharan Africa bears the brunt of this crisis, with an estimated 15 million additional teachers required to achieve universal schooling.
This shortage is worsened by low salaries, poor working conditions, and inadequate institutional support for teachers.
In addition, teachers grapple with challenges that undermine their ability to deliver quality education. These rear their heads in the form of low pay, and salaries that often fail to reflect the importance of the teaching profession, leaving many educators struggling financially.
In several countries, teachers resort to taking on extra jobs or working multiple shifts to make ends meet.
The inadequacy of resources is another significant hurdle. Many schools lack essential materials such as textbooks, desks, and chairs, while limited access to technology further hampers teaching efficiency. Excessive workload and burnout are also widespread, with teachers putting in long hours, including evenings and weekends, to prepare lessons and grade assignments.
The emotional toll has been compounded by pandemic-related stress, leading to increased cases of mental exhaustion.
Also, safety concerns continue have continued to threaten teachers in various parts of the world, where some face harassment, intimidation, and even physical violence due to political unrest or conflict.
Another challenge is insufficient opportunities for professional development leave teachers, feeling stagnant and unsupported, despite the rapid evolution of teaching methodologies and technologies.
Another is ICT Challenges in Education. The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education has brought about new set of challenges, particularly for analogue or “digital immigrant” teachers. The digital divide has widened, with many struggling to adapt to the rapid pace of technological change.
Sadly, the teacher, who is less familiar with digital tools often finds himself trailing behind digital-native students who are adept at using technology.
Adapting traditional teaching methods to incorporate ICT effectively can be daunting, requiring significant shifts in lesson planning and classroom delivery. This is in addition to teachers having to confront cybersecurity concerns, learning how to protect themselves and their students from online risks while using digital platforms safely and responsibly.
The Struggle is real.
For many analogue teachers, the transition to ICT-integrated instruction can feel overwhelming. The pressure to adapt quickly in a fast-evolving digital landscape often leads to frustration. However, with the right support, training, and access to resources, teachers can successfully bridge the digital gap and thrive in modern classrooms.
It is, therefore, important to say that, the Importance of Effective teacher training is crucial to overcoming these challenges. Teachers need targeted ICT training to help them integrate technology meaningfully into their teaching practices.
Pedagogical training is equally vital, ensuring educators are equipped with modern, student-centred methods that promote critical thinking and creativity.
To this end, professional development and institutional support remain key to maintaining teacher motivation and effectiveness in the digital age. In order to do this, a holistic approach is needed. Fair compensation and improved working conditions must be guaranteed, while Policy makers must prioritise living wages, benefits such as health insurance and pensions, and manageable workloads to reduce burnout.
Regular professional development opportunities can also help teachers stay abreast of global best practices and technological trends, while fostering collaboration among educators can enhance job satisfaction and classroom innovation.
….. 2025 World Teachers’ Day Celebration In Delta State
This brings to mind the 2025 World Teachers’ Day Celebration in Delta State, which further amplified the importance the State government attaches to teachers in the State.
It was a grand affair, filled with warmth and appreciation, held in Asaba, the State Capital. The event brought together teachers, government officials, and stakeholders to celebrate the vital role educators play in shaping the nation’s future.
The festivities began with a musical jamboree that set a joyous tone. A colourful march past followed, showcasing creativity and unity among teachers across the state, with Patani Local Government emerging the overall winner. The pleasant weather complemented the cheerful mood, allowing attendees to fully enjoy the event.
The State Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, describing it as a central pillar of his MORE Agenda.
He highlighted the government’s efforts in supporting teachers through prompt salary payments, regular training, and the promotion of a culture of collaboration.
On his part, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Poubeni Dickson, emphasised the importance of respecting teachers as humanbeings who deserve better welfare and recognition. In his words, “Teachers are no less human beings. They deserve respect and better welfare.”
He expressed his determination to reorganise, strengthen, and rebuild the union, giving it renewed vigour and a more impactful presence.
The event featured vibrant cultural dance performances from the three senatorial districts and participation from 25 local government NUT branches, and ended with renewed calls for increased funding for education, recruitment of more teachers, and improved morale and support for educators across the state.
Perhaps, it is important to say that the event served as a testament to Delta State’s dedication to empowering teachers and promoting collaboration within the education sector, and prioritizing teachers’ welfare.
As the event concluded, Dan Basime, State Secretary of NUT, Delta State Wing, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks thus:
“Distinguished guests, esteemed educators, and fellow advocates for quality education, I am honored to deliver this vote of thanks on behalf of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Delta State Wing. We express our heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for his unwavering commitment to education in Delta State. We also appreciate the Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, for his tireless efforts in promoting education.
To Comrade Poubeni Dickson, Chairman of NUT, Delta State, thank you for your passionate advocacy for teachers’ rights and welfare. To the teachers, we salute you for your hard work and dedication. Thank you all once again for your presence and contributions. May God bless you.”
The event concluded with a call for increased funding for education, recruitment of more teachers, and improved teacher morale. The World Teachers’ Day celebration served as a testament to the state’s dedication to empowering teachers and promoting a culture of collaboration in the education sector. By prioritizing teacher welfare and promoting collaborative environments, we can work towards a brighter future for education in Delta State and beyond. Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.
