When Secondary School Leavers Become Teachers in Nigeria

It is no longer news that the workforce in some Nigerian primary and secondary schools is largely made up of secondary school leavers.

This is because many school owners believe that hiring these young people helps them cut down the cost of remuneration or, as some would boldly call it, their “business model”: giving the market (learners) what it can afford.

So, they do not really care if qualifications or professionalism are compromised.

As for these secondary school leavers, they are often too eager to accept the offers presented to them.

Would you blame them?

Most of them need the money to save for higher education, cater for themselves, support their families, or simply keep their minds active while waiting for admission. That is understandable.

However, it is important to emphasise that education is like a delicate box that protects our children. If the guardians (teachers) are too loose, careless, ignorant, or irresponsible, the box could break into pieces, depriving our leaders of tomorrow the rare privilege of experiencing real education, one that leaves a positive legacy.

Teaching is an inflammable job. It is only a matter of time before it explodes if handled without care—and when it does, the damage to our national brainpower could be severe.

However, as a secondary school leaver, if you must teach, you must be clear on these few things:

Choose Impact over Survival:

Do not go into teaching just to earn money. Create impact, influence lives, and serve as a good example.

Don’t Go Overboard:

Do not take on subjects or classes you cannot handle. Know your strengths and stick to them unapologetically. And do not be afraid to say “no” when necessary.

Be a Learner:

Being a student-teacher does not make you an island of knowledge. Stay humble and keep learning—whether from colleagues, pupils, or students.

Be Self-Responsible:

Teachers are leaders, and leadership requires self-responsibility. Take your personal development seriously—your learners are watching.

Be Wise:

Do not teach what you do not know. Use your textbooks, seek help when needed, and remain humble enough to learn—even from your students.

It is not a bad thing to teach as a secondary school leaver. It only becomes a threat to education when the right values are ignored.

You too can be part of the better education we crave in Nigeria. Do your part responsibly and sincerely.

Everyone can teach, but the real question is: Who makes a good teacher?