Private school teachers open up on daily struggles amid N10,000 monthly salary
Private School Teachers in Jos Face Financial Struggles Amid Growing Demand
JOS, Plateau State — Once regarded as the cornerstone of society, the teaching profession has seen a significant decline in status, particularly for educators in private schools. In Jos, the capital of Plateau State, many private school teachers have reported harsh working conditions and low pay, undermining their ability to fulfill their crucial roles as educators.
Recent findings reveal that private school teachers in Jos often earn between 10,000 and 25,000 naira per month, regardless of their qualifications, which may include National Certificate in Education (NCE), Higher National Diploma (HND), Bachelor’s, or Master’s degrees. Salary reviews are infrequent, with some teachers reporting no increase for as long as a decade.
In a city where private schools have become the predominant employers, teachers claim they are undervalued and overworked. They frequently juggle multiple classes ranging from Junior Secondary School (JSS1) to Senior Secondary School (SS3), which can contribute to declining educational standards.
“Teachers are often confined to their schools from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and they leave with minimal compensation that barely lasts through the week,” said one educator who asked to remain anonymous. “The situation has forced many into manual labor, such as construction work, to make ends meet.”
Ezekiel Atangs, who has taught in private schools for over 15 years, described a harsh reality. “I’ve been on a salary of 15,000 naira for four years, with no prospects for an increase,” he said. “I have a family to support, so I often work extra jobs just to keep food on the table.”
Another educator, Ishaya Bitson, highlighted the disturbing contrast between the school’s reputation and teacher compensation. “Despite being part of a prestigious institution where fees are high, we’ve seen no salary increases since I was hired five years ago,” he said. “When I inquire about raises, I am often told to either be patient or to resign.”
Leonard Bagudu, another teacher, echoed these sentiments. “For eight years, my salary has remained at 12,000 naira,” he said, expressing frustration over the disparity between their workload and compensation.
In response to the concerns raised about teacher salaries, a private school proprietor acknowledged the challenges but emphasized economic constraints. “We can only pay what we can afford. Many parents do not pay their children’s fees on time, which further complicates our financial situation,” the proprietor explained.
An assistant director at the Plateau State Ministry of Education stated that the ministry cannot regulate salaries for private schools. “While we receive complaints about low teacher salaries, institutions are free to negotiate their pay structures. We advise them to be fair to their employees,” the official noted.
The struggles faced by private school teachers in Jos underline broader issues within the educational sector, raising questions about support and regulation in an industry pivotal to the development of future generations.
