The absorption of more than 3,000 verified Parent-Teacher Association teachers who have served for years in Nigerian schools is nearing completion, in a move expected to strengthen the country’s public-school workforce.

The development was highlighted during activities marking World Teachers’ Day, with education authorities pointing to the regularisation of the teachers as part of efforts to address manpower challenges in schools. The affected teachers are among educators who have continued to serve in schools despite lacking permanent appointments within the public service.

The Federal Government had earlier approved the recruitment of 3,252 verified PTA teachers into the federal public service. According to the government, the teachers had served in Federal Unity and Technical Colleges, with some having worked for as long as 25 years without permanent government appointments.

The teachers were subjected to a nationwide verification exercise before their proposed regularisation. The exercise covered Education Officers, Assistant Education Officers and Technical Instructors, with the government saying the intervention would help improve teacher-student ratios while recognising the contribution of the affected educators.

The move comes amid longstanding concerns over teacher shortages and excessive workloads in Nigerian schools. A 2025 report citing the Nigeria Union of Teachers said 16 states had not recruited teachers between 2018 and 2022, leaving existing teachers to cope with increased workloads.

The absorption of the PTA teachers therefore represents more than a welfare intervention for the affected educators. It could also provide additional manpower to schools that have struggled with shortages. Education stakeholders, however, say recruitment must be accompanied by continuous professional development, adequate infrastructure and improved working conditions if additional teachers are to translate into better learning outcomes.