Anambra State’s public education system is grappling with an unprecedented crisis following the mass resignation of teachers across government-owned primary and secondary schools, a development that has raised serious concerns about the future of learning in the state.
Education stakeholders say the scale of resignations recorded in recent months is unlike anything previously witnessed in Anambra, with hundreds of qualified teachers reportedly leaving public service for alternative opportunities within and outside the state. The trend has triggered widespread anxiety among parents, school administrators, and policymakers, who fear a looming collapse of the public school workforce if urgent measures are not taken.
Findings indicate that the resignations cut across urban and rural schools, affecting both junior and senior cadres of teaching staff. Many of those who have exited the system are experienced teachers with several years of service, leaving significant gaps in subject coverage, classroom management, and overall school administration.
Several teachers who spoke under condition of anonymity cited poor remuneration as the primary reason for their decision to resign. According to them, salaries paid to public school teachers in the state have failed to keep pace with the rising cost of living, forcing many educators to seek better-paying jobs in private schools, corporate organisations, or outside the teaching profession altogether.
Beyond low pay, teachers also pointed to poor working conditions, lack of teaching materials, overcrowded classrooms, and limited opportunities for professional development as major push factors. Some lamented delays in promotions, non-payment of allowances, and what they described as inadequate welfare support from relevant authorities.
“The passion to teach is there, but passion alone cannot feed a family,” one former public school teacher said. “Many of us have stayed for years hoping things would improve, but the situation has only become more difficult.”
Education unions in the state have confirmed the rising wave of resignations, warning that the development poses a serious threat to the quality of education in public schools. Union leaders disclosed that several schools are now operating with skeletal teaching staff, while some classes have been merged due to the absence of subject teachers.
In some secondary schools, students are reportedly being taught core subjects by non-specialist teachers, a situation experts say could negatively affect learning outcomes and examination performance. Primary schools are also feeling the strain, with fewer teachers handling increasingly large numbers of pupils.
Parents have expressed deep disappointment over the situation, noting that the impact of the teacher exodus is already evident in declining academic standards and reduced supervision of students. Some parents disclosed that they are considering transferring their children to private schools despite the higher costs, while others fear they have no viable alternative.
Education analysts warn that the mass resignation of teachers could widen educational inequality in the state, as children from low-income families who rely on public schools bear the brunt of the crisis. They argue that without sufficient teachers, government efforts to improve access to education and enhance learning outcomes may be severely undermined.
Officials of the Anambra State government have acknowledged the challenge and described the situation as concerning. Sources within the education ministry said discussions are ongoing on possible interventions, including improved welfare packages, recruitment of new teachers, and policy reforms aimed at retaining qualified educators in public service.
However, critics argue that recruitment alone may not solve the problem if underlying issues such as remuneration, motivation, and working conditions are not adequately addressed. They insist that retaining experienced teachers is as critical as hiring new ones, given the time and resources required to train competent educators.
Civil society organisations and education advocates have also called for an urgent declaration of a state of emergency in the public education sector. They are urging the government to engage teachers, unions, and other stakeholders in meaningful dialogue to stem the tide of resignations and restore confidence in the system.
As the number of departing teachers continues to rise, the mass resignation crisis has become a defining test for Anambra State’s education policy and governance. Stakeholders warn that unless decisive action is taken, the long-term consequences for human capital development and social progress in the state could be severe and far-reaching.
