By Karatu Ibrahim Yakub

Your Excellency,

I would like to begin by appreciating Your Excellency for the successful implementation of the new minimum wage for civil servants in Kwara State. This is a remarkable step, and I believe it will go a long way in motivating the workforce to be more committed to their official responsibilities. Your efforts in ensuring this policy came to fruition demonstrate your administration’s dedication to improving the welfare of the state’s employees, and I commend you for that.

In the same spirit of improving the lives of civil servants, I would like to bring to your attention an issue affecting the foundation of our educational system, particularly at the basic and secondary school levels.

1. Salary Structure and Teacher Motivation

The salary structure for basic and secondary school teachers in Kwara State is significantly lower than that of lecturers in tertiary institutions. This discrepancy can affect the motivation and performance of teachers at the basic and secondary levels, which in turn impacts the quality of education delivered. In Finland, one of the countries known for its outstanding education system, teachers are highly respected and paid comparably well. This reflects the understanding that teachers, especially those working with young learners, are fundamental to shaping the future of the nation. Finland’s teachers undergo rigorous training and are required to hold at least a master’s degree before they can teach, with their salaries reflecting their qualifications and importance to society (Sahlberg, 2011).

Introducing a more competitive salary structure for basic and secondary school teachers in Kwara State could similarly enhance the quality of education and help attract more experienced and qualified professionals to the teaching profession.

2. Encouraging Teachers to Pursue Higher Education

At present, basic and secondary school teachers are not encouraged to further their education to master’s or Ph.D. levels, as obtaining these qualifications does not result in increased earnings or career advancement. This is unlike in tertiary institutions, where advanced degrees are necessary for both employment and promotion.

Countries like Singapore, known for having one of the best education systems globally, have policies in place that encourage continuous professional development for teachers at all levels of education. Teachers in Singapore are offered professional development opportunities, and pursuing higher education is linked to career progression and salary increases. The government also supports teacher education by providing scholarships and grants for postgraduate studies, further incentivizing continuous learning (Ng, 2008). By adopting a similar approach in Kwara State, the government could motivate teachers at the basic and secondary levels to pursue higher qualifications, which would ultimately raise the standard of education.

3. Recruitment of Experienced Teachers for Basic and Secondary Schools

The basic and secondary school levels are the most fragile stages of education, where a solid foundation is critical for future academic success. However, the current practice in Kwara State is to recruit mainly fresh graduates for teaching roles at these levels. This practice contrasts with the recruitment policies in countries like South Korea, where teachers for primary and secondary education are selected from the top 5% of graduates, ensuring that only the most qualified and experienced candidates are entrusted with the critical task of educating young learners (OECD, 2012).

Recruiting experienced teachers at these levels would ensure that students receive high-quality instruction from educators who have the necessary skills and knowledge to nurture their academic development. By shifting the focus toward recruiting experienced professionals, the government could strengthen the state’s educational foundation.

4. Implementation Feasibility

I understand that implementing these changes is not an easy task, but I firmly believe it is doable under your visionary leadership. Countries like Japan have successfully implemented similar reforms, focusing on both teacher quality and salary structures, which have greatly improved their education system (OECD, 2014). With the right policies and commitment, I am confident that Kwara State can achieve similar success in elevating its education sector.

In addendum, I would like to personally appreciate Your Excellency for the implementation of the new minimum wage. This will undoubtedly go a long way in motivating civil servants to be more committed to their official responsibilities, and I believe it is a significant step in the right direction for the state’s workforce.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am confident that your administration’s commitment to education will drive positive changes in this regard.