Gombe tutors lament poor welfare on World Teachers’ Day

As Nigerians join the rest of the world to mark World Teachers’ Day, some teachers in Gombe State have lamented poor welfare, rising living costs and inadequate salaries, saying their earnings are no longer enough to meet their basic needs.

For Malam Muhammadu Sanusi, a teacher in Gombe comprehensive secondary school, the reality of teaching has become increasingly difficult as the cost of living continues to rise.

“Our take-home doesn’t take us home,” Sanusi said, describing the gap between teachers’ earnings and the realities of everyday life.

He said teachers were struggling to cope with increasing costs of food, transportation, accommodation and other household needs, despite the important role they play in educating future generations.

Another teacher, Malam Lamido Dantiti, in an LEA school in Gombe told our correspondent that the current minimum wage was inadequate to address the pressing needs of workers, particularly teachers who have families to support.

“The minimum wage is not adequate to meet pressing demands,” Dantiti said.

He called for improved remuneration and better working conditions, arguing that teachers deserved more than recognition during annual celebrations.

For Malam Sambo Murtala, the challenges confronting teachers go beyond salaries, with many struggling to balance their professional responsibilities with the demands of providing for their families.

Similarly, Mrs Salome Gambo said the economic hardship had made life increasingly difficult for teachers, with a significant portion of their income going into basic necessities.

“The economic challenges bite hard. House rent, transportation and food are taking the money. How do you help family and friends?” she asked.

Gambo said teachers deserved to enjoy the fruits of their labour while still alive, rather than being celebrated only after retirement or death.

“Our rewards should be on earth too, just like politicians, not only in heaven,” she said.

The teachers urged the government to prioritise their welfare through improved salaries, timely promotions, better working conditions and other incentives that would restore dignity to the profession.

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They said improving teachers’ welfare would not only ease their economic burden but also motivate them to deliver better learning outcomes for pupils and students across the state.

Meanwhile, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has commended teachers in Gombe and across Nigeria for their invaluable contributions to education and national development.

In a goodwill message to mark the 2026 World Teachers’ Day, themed “Transforming the Teaching Profession for Africa’s Future,” signed by the Director-General Press Affairs Ismaila Misilli, Yahaya described teachers as the driving force behind educational progress and the development of future generations.

He said the theme underscores the need to modernise the teaching profession through innovation, digital technology, artificial intelligence, professional development and inclusive learning, while ensuring that teachers remain central to education policy and reform.

“Transforming education requires more than infrastructure and policy declarations. It demands well-trained, motivated and adequately supported teachers, whose knowledge, experience and commitment are essential to preparing our children for the challenges and opportunities of the future,” the governor stated.

Yahaya reiterated his administration’s determination to continue to strengthen the education sector through teacher recruitment, capacity building, improved school infrastructure, the provision of teaching and learning materials, and sustained engagement with education stakeholders.

He noted that these commitments are in line with his conviction that investments in teachers are fundamental to improving educational standards, expanding access to quality learning and building a skilled, productive and competitive society.

“The classroom is where the future of our state begins. When teachers are empowered with the right skills, resources and motivation, learners perform better, communities prosper and society advances,” he said.

The governor commended the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers and all teachers in Gombe State for their hard work, resilience and sacrifices, particularly in shaping the character, knowledge and aspirations of young people.

He urged teachers, policymakers, parents, communities and other education stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, embrace innovation and work collectively towards an education system that promotes excellence, equity and opportunity for every child.

Yahaya assured teachers of his administration’s continued commitment to reforms that enhance their professional capacity, improve teaching conditions and position education as a cornerstone of Gombe State’s sustainable development.

He wished teachers across the state and Nigeria a fulfilling 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration.