The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have launched the second phase of the “Expand, Integrate and Strengthen Systems (EISS)” programme, aimed at enhancing the capacity of teachers in Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch event in Abuja, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Samuela Isopi, represented by the EU’s Head of Human Development, Leila Ben Amor Mathieu, explained that this phase builds upon the first phase, “Education and Youth Empowerment in North Western Nigeria,” which was initiated in 2023. The combined funding for both phases amounts to €45.4 million, part of the Global Gateway Strategy designed to enhance connections in digital, energy, and transport sectors, as well as to strengthen health, education, and research systems globally.
The EISS programme will collaborate with six training colleges in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Katsina, Plateau, and Oyo states, aiming to impact a broader group of teachers across these regions.
“Teachers are the bedrock of education. They inspire, nurture, and guide future generations,” said Isopi. “Investing in teachers is investing in our collective future. By empowering teachers, we are enhancing the quality of education and ensuring that students receive the guidance and support they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.”
The programme will focus on developing and reviewing education policies and career paths for teachers in Nigeria. It aims to enhance teachers’ capacity and resilience through both pre-service and in-service training, and to strengthen teacher-student collaboration at school and community levels.
UN Resident Coordinator Mohammed Fall highlighted the significant challenges faced by teachers in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Nigeria, citing a 2021 report by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics that points to the region having the lowest percentages of trained teachers globally. He stressed the importance of halting the trend of teacher attrition, noting that teacher turnover rates doubled globally between 2015 and 2022.
Abdourahamane Diallo, the Head of UNESCO’s Abuja Office, emphasized the urgent need to address the shortage of qualified teachers in Nigeria. He noted that a 2021 Education Sector Analysis revealed that at least 20% of teachers in public basic education schools are unqualified, with the number nearly doubling in private schools.
“This project is timely as it seeks to address the early and frequent loss of skilled teachers to more lucrative professions,” said Diallo. “It aims to strengthen government capacities to assess teaching needs and develop strong, evidence-based policies for teacher recruitment, deployment, management, and professional development.”
Minister of Education Prof. Mamman Tahir, represented by Dr. Folake Olatunji-David, Director of Basic Education, praised the funding support from the EU and the technical support from UNESCO. He emphasized that education is a cornerstone of national development and that the project represents a significant milestone in transforming Nigeria’s educational landscape.
“We understand the challenges our teachers face, especially in fragile and demanding environments. This project will provide them with the tools and support they need to excel,” said Tahir. “By strengthening our teachers and implementing robust teacher policies, we can ensure that our educators are well prepared, adequately recruited, deployed, and managed.”
The six states benefitting from the programme are expected to create models of excellence that can be replicated across the country, ensuring every child has access to quality education.
