The Role of Teacher Education and Nigerian Teachers In National Development: The Way Forward

Abstract

The study is aimed at evaluating the roles of teacher education and Nigerian teachers in National Development. It is obvious that qualified competent and dedicated teachers are the major instrument for achieving educational goals and National Development. The researcher observed that inspite of the current changes in teachers’ salary structure, teachers’ salaries are not paid as at when due. They are often molested and abused by students, parents and the entire society. Nevertheless, through teacher education, teachers have contributed to national developments like election, census. They also participate in creating awareness among the citizens. Teachers are the real agents that help in the development of various skills and competencies. It should be noted that the more good teachers the nation has, the more the solid citizens and hence more development of the country. To attain the objective of the study the researcher adopted survey design approach through the use of questionnaire developed and validated by the researchers and two experts in measurement and evaluation course. The sample consisted of 118 respondents who are Cross River State indigenes. The data was analyzed using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient. All the hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The result indicates that there is a relationship between Nigerian teachers’ professional roles and national development. It was recommended that the development of teachers, adequate rewards, good welfare packages, and incentive plans and motivation should be sustained.