By Betty Abeng, CEO of the Commonwealth Education Trust
Around the world, classrooms are open – but too often, learning is not happening. Especially for teachers.
According to UNESCO, an estimated “69 million new teachers” are needed globally by 2030 to achieve universal basic education. That number represents more than a shortage – it’s a crisis.
For teachers across the Commonwealth and beyond, the challenges are growing. Large class sizes, lack of resources, poor access to professional development, and limited career progression opportunities are driving an exodus from the profession. In many countries, teachers report feeling undervalued, unsupported, and overwhelmed.
Nigeria
Nigeria has the largest population in Africa and one of the youngest populations in the world. With over 200 million people – half of them under the age of 19 – the future of education in Nigeria isn’t just a national issue; it’s a global one.
Yet, UNESCO data shows that more than 75% of children aged 7–14 in Nigeria cannot read a simple sentence or solve basic maths problems. At the same time, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) notes that teacher absenteeism and lack of ongoing professional development are key barriers to progress.
At the CET, we are experiencing this firsthand across our At Teach2030, we are seeing it every day.
What we’re learning from being on the frontlines
In June 2025, we officially launched Teach2030 in person in Nigeria, and the response was overwhelming. Over 10,000 Nigerian educators are already registered on our platform, with 1,850 completing the first course module and many moving on to advanced training. The launch event, hosted by one of our ambassadors, Kelechi Ezeigwe, we brought together teachers from across Lagos – not in an expensive venue, but in a real school compound, where learning happens every day. The experience was interactive, revealing and transformative.
While in-person attendance was limited by weather, the commitment of over 80 teachers who came spoke volumes: educators in Nigeria are eager to grow, eager to improve, and eager to lead.
Our conversations were centred around the importance of adopting a Growth Mindset as a teacher, and Practical Active Learning. Many teachers were introduced to teaching techniques such as “No hands up” and the importance of using the right language in the classroom. Language which encourages learning.
It was touching to hear from guests such as Dr Benjamin Dike, founder of Darice and Oaks International School and former country head of Business Banking at Standard Chartered Bank. who shared a message of encouragement and acknowledged the low morale amongst teachers in Nigeria.
Mr Dike emphasised that in order to achieve national development, we need to invest in teachers.
Teachers Are Saying Yes
Through our campaign, “One Million Teachers Say YES”, we’re working to mobilise educators across the Commonwealth – starting with Nigeria. We know that real change begins when teachers believe in their own professional growth. That’s why our courses are designed to be:
Mobile-first , bite-sized and practical and globally informed, locally grounded – reflecting the realities of classrooms in Nigeria, Ghana, Pakistan, Kenya, and the Caribbean.
What Needs to Happen Next
But we can’t do this alone. If we want teachers to thrive, we must:
Elevate the profession and build partnerships. The CET would like to work with state ministries and school leaders to integrate continuous professional development into school culture. We MUST also listen to teachers and continue responding to what teachers tell us they need, not what we assume they want.
“Until teachers have access to continuous, consistent training — and until all stakeholders take teacher development seriously – our education systems will continue to struggle.
Even in an AI-driven world, teaching still demands human connection, empathy, and care. Teach2030 isn’t just a training platform; it’s a movement empowering teacher with the tools and confidence to grow and lead in their classrooms – for today and for the future.” Kelechi Ezeigwe, Teach2030 Ambassador and founder of St Abigails School in Lagos Nigeria.
Kelechi Ezeigwe, Teach2030 Ambassador and founder of St Abigails School in Lagos Nigeria.
A Call to Action
The Commonwealth has over 2.5 billion citizens – more than 60% under the age of 30. The future of our shared prosperity depends on whether these young people can access quality teaching, every day. We invite teachers, school leaders, and policymakers across the Commonwealth to say YES.
Join us – and say YES to better teaching, everywhere.
