The teaching profession is the most prestigious in the world. Top professions in Medicine, Law, Engineering, Economics, and even the Arts and Statistics have their roots in teachers. It is true that the teaching profession is valued appropriately.

However, in order to stand out from the crowd and have a successful teaching career at any level, you must first become a professional teacher. This will require a lot of hard effort, devotion, and enthusiasm on your part.

I guide on the steps to take to become a professional teacher in Nigeria.

Steps to Becoming a Teacher

1. Obtain your O’ level certificate:

   The first step in becoming a teacher in Nigeria is to complete your O’ level exams. This could be WEAC, NECO, or GCE. You must pass Mathematics, English, and three more subjects, depending on the education course you wish to pursue.

2. Write the JAMB exam:

   Register for and take the JAMB examination, which includes mandatory courses like as Mathematics, English, and other subjects depending on the education course you wish to study.

3. Apply to a College of Education or University:

   You can study a variety of courses at the College of Education or the University. Chemistry, Accounting, Music, Biology, and Government are a few examples. You will spend four years in university studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in education. And, if you attend a College of Education, you will spend two to three years earning the Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE).

4. Complete Teaching Practicum:

   Participate in teaching practicum or student teaching experiences while pursuing your degree. These practical teaching opportunities will provide hands-on experience in classroom management, lesson design, and instruction while being supervised by experienced teachers.

5. Obtain Teaching Certification:

   To practise teaching after completing your degree, you must receive a teaching licence from the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). The TRCN administers certification exams, and passing the exam is required to qualify as a professional teacher in Nigeria.

6. Participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC):

   Graduates are often expected to engage in the NYSC programme, a one-year national service programme for Nigerian graduates. You may be allocated to a school during this time to get further teaching experience.

7. Continuously Develop Your Teaching Skills:

   Engage in ongoing professional development to improve your teaching skills and stay current on teaching methods and trends. Attend educational courses, seminars, and conferences. Keep current with educational research and best practises.

8. Apply for Teaching Positions:

   Look for employment openings at public and private schools that match your teaching specialisation. Make your resume stand out by emphasising your schooling, teaching experience, and any applicable credentials. Make your application materials unique to each position you apply for.

9. Attend Interviews and Demonstrate Teaching Competence:

   Attend interviews for teaching vacancies if you are shortlisted. Prepare to demonstrate your knowledge of pedagogy, lesson planning, classroom management, and your ability to engage and motivate students.

10. Build Relationships and Collaborate with Colleagues:

    Maintain positive connections with colleagues, administrators, and support personnel. Collaborate with colleagues to share resources, exchange ideas, and learn from one another’s experiences. Developing a strong professional network within the education community can help your career.

11. Stay Committed to Lifelong Learning:

    Education is a field that is always changing. Maintain your commitment to lifelong learning by seeking out new teaching tactics, experimenting with innovative educational tools, and staying up to date on developments in the Nigerian education system.

Colleges of Education of Nigeria

1. College of Education, Nsukka
2. FCT College of Education, Zuba
3. Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri
4. Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo
5. Adeyemi College of Education
6. Federal College of Education, Abeokuta
7. Niger State College of Education, Minna
8. College of Education, Warri
9. Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED)
10. Federal College of Education, Kano

Universities in Nigeria to study Education

1. Lagos State University
2. University of Ibadan
3. Rivers State University
4. University of Lagos
5. Abia State University
6. University of Nigeria, Nsukka
7. University of Maiduguri
8. Niger Delta University, Yeneagoa
9. University of Uyo
10. Kwara State University, Ilorin
11. Lagos State University
12. University of Ilorin
13. Anambra State University
14. University of Calabar

Salary of Teachers in Nigeria

Teachers earn between 30,000 and 100,000 per month on average, depending on their level of experience. It might be as much as 75,000 naira for beginners at state or federal schools, depending on the degree of the teacher. Vice principals make approximately 160,000 naira, while principals receive approximately 300,000.

In Nigeria, the teaching profession is highly rewarding. Basically, it depends on your capacity to scale up and brand yourself. You can have a rewarding career as a teacher if you constantly improve your teaching skills and have the necessary information.

Good luck.

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