Lagos: Some Lagos residents have expressed worry at frequent change of teachers in private primary schools, saying it is detrimental to the emotional stability and overall learning experience of pupils. In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), they said that incessant change of teachers had a significant negative impact on pupils.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, a parent, Mr. James Alabi, highlighted how children could react to the effect of incessant change of teachers. He noted that it causes disruption in learning, leading to inconsistency in lesson delivery, making it difficult for pupils to build on previous knowledge. Alabi explained that poor academic performance of pupils is inevitable, as they will struggle to adjust to new teaching methods, which can negatively affect their understanding and retention of concepts. He further added that such changes could affect pupils’ emotional stability, as pupils develop bonds with teachers, and a sudden change can cause emotional distress, reducing their motivation to learn.
A mother of two, Mrs. Rebecca Jaiyola, also frowned at the frequent change of teachers and blamed the abrupt exit of teachers on poor remuneration. She observed that some schools employ secondary school leavers who are waiting for admission into higher institutions of learning, viewing them as cheap labor. Jaiyola emphasized that the least qualification for primary school teachers should be a Nigerian Certificate in Education, but many private schools are only focused on maximizing profits.
A teacher, Ms. Danielle Odusanya, told NAN that some school owners discouraged teachers from staying long with them. She questioned why she should change employment if a proprietor pays well and is kind and considerate. Odusanya pointed out that many people in the teaching profession are there because they couldn’t get their dream jobs, and without passion, such a person can leave anytime without considering the effects on pupils.
Mrs. Toyin Fajobi, Director of The Kings Kid School in the Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area, said that many teachers in the primary section of her school left without any notice. She mentioned that despite some incentives by proprietors, some teachers would leave after a brief period.