Alex Onyia, education advocate and CEO of Educare, has proposed major reforms to Nigeria’s teaching profession. In a series of social media posts, Onyia called for the minimum qualification for teachers to be raised to a master’s degree with at least a second-class upper division in their first degree.
He also recommended a starting salary of ₦400,000 per month and the provision of new vehicles for teachers, to be paid off over time. Onyia cited Finland as a model, where all teachers are required to hold master’s degrees and are well compensated.
Additional suggestions include biannual license renewals tied to training and certification exams, aimed at ensuring continuous professional development. “The best minds should be entrusted with educating the next generation,” he stated.
The proposal has sparked debate online. While some support raising standards and improving welfare for teachers, others argue that requiring a master’s degree may be too restrictive. Critics also expressed concern about feasibility in rural and low-income areas and stressed the importance of teaching ability over academic qualifications.
Some suggested more flexible pathways, such as requiring a degree in education or a postgraduate diploma (PGD) for non-education graduates, alongside support like subsidized healthcare and foreign training.
