Private primary and secondary schools across Oyo State are grappling with a severe teacher shortage following the recruitment of over 5,600 educators by the state government and the implementation of a new minimum wage. The development, evident in major cities such as Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Saki, Iseyin, and Eruwa, has left schools struggling to fill vacant teaching positions.
The shortage became apparent at the start of the second term of the 2024/2025 academic session on January 6, 2025, with many teachers failing to resume work. The Oyo State government’s recruitment drive aims to address staffing gaps in public schools, but the move has drained private institutions of their workforce. The new minimum wage of ₦80,000, recently approved by the government, has further incentivized teachers to switch to public school jobs.
Speaking on the issue, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), emphasized the need for equitable teacher distribution across local governments, some of which are reportedly overstaffed. Adeniran urged the newly appointed teachers to demonstrate professionalism and embrace modern teaching methods to enhance education in the state. However, private schools now face the challenge of attracting qualified replacements, with administrators and parents acknowledging the strain.
School administrators revealed that dozens of teachers have exited private schools to join government positions, citing higher pay and better job security. A school in Lagelu Local Government Area reported the departure of 27 teachers this term, forcing management to explore salary increases to retain remaining staff. Similar scenarios have unfolded in Ibadan and other parts of the state, with schools scrambling to maintain quality education amidst the workforce exodus.
Parents and educators have expressed mixed feelings about the situation. While commending the government’s efforts to improve public education, they lament the unintended consequences on private institutions. Many private schools now face operational hurdles, with some struggling to meet teacher salary demands under the new wage structure. The teacher shortage underscores the broader challenges of balancing public and private education needs in the state.