The National President of the Private and Independent Schools Tutors Union of Nigeria (PRISCTUN), Comrade Dr. Tunde Folarin, has decried the poor working conditions and unfair labour practices faced by private school teachers across the country, describing their situation as “modern-day enslavement.”
Dr. Folarin made this passionate call during his address at the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held on Sunday, October 5, 2025, where he urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to enact laws that would guarantee decent working conditions, job security, and fair wages for private educators.
“Nigerian private school teachers are groaning, mournful, and grossly abused,” he lamented. “There ought to be legislation through an Act of Parliament to protect these workers and eliminate modern-day enslavement.”
“Empowering Educators, Strengthening Resilience, Building Sustainability”
Speaking on this year’s global theme, “Empowering Educators, Strengthening Resilience, Building Sustainability,” Dr. Folarin emphasized that teachers remain the backbone of national development and the moral compass of society. He described teachers as a “noble army accomplishing daily feats without praise or decoration” and called for their rightful recognition and empowerment in both public and private sectors.
He noted that contrary to popular belief, the educational standard in Nigeria is not necessarily falling, but rather suffers from systemic failures such as:
- Poor remuneration and lack of structured career progression, particularly in private schools.
- Examination malpractice and unqualified personnel in teaching roles.
- Inconsistent implementation of educational policies.
- Low morale and absence of incentives for teachers.
According to him, “The magic bullet for national rebranding and progress must start with a high investment in teachers. Empowering educators will breed result-oriented teaching services and build a sustainable and resilient future for Nigeria.”
Call for Decent Work and Welfare Framework
The PRISCTUN President aligned with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the pursuit of the Decent Work Agenda, which focuses on rights, employment, social protection, and social dialogue.
He outlined key areas requiring urgent attention to improve the welfare of private school teachers, including:
- Industry minimum wages and allowances,
- Pension and redundancy benefits,
- Medical facilities and group life insurance,
- Annual leave and long-service rewards,
- Access to housing, transport, and loan schemes.
Commendations and Acknowledgments
Dr. Folarin commended the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for its steadfast support and intellectual guidance, describing its leaders as “rare breeds—calculated, intelligent, and workaholic achievers.”
He also appreciated the Federal Ministry of Education, particularly for introducing a new national curriculum, though he urged a review of its implementation strategy to ensure smooth adoption.
In his closing remarks, he extended gratitude to the Labour Academy Centre, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and members of the press for their unwavering support in amplifying the teachers’ cause.
“To my fellow tutors, congratulations on this year’s World Teachers’ Day. You are all appreciated,” Dr. Folarin said, reaffirming PRISCTUN’s commitment to protecting the dignity and welfare of all private and independent school tutors in Nigeria.
