DIARY OF A NIGERIAN TEACHER

Initially, when I thought about writing a diary on my experience as a teacher in Nigeria, I was torn - should I or should I not? I also wanted to write about this in a very serious format but I think I will rather keep this like 'gist' between friends. 

 

I think I have been a teacher all my life. Actually, not in a school at first but in church. For those who grew up in church, you know what Sunday School teaching is like and I vividly remember one aspect of my interview for the teaching position. I was asked, "have you taught before?"

My painfully naïve and simple response was: "I taught during my NYSC but I have been a Sunday school teacher." I think back on this response cringing a little bit. Of course, the people in the room laughed. 

What can I say? I got the job.

During my NYSC days, I remember teaching a class where most of the students were almost, if not my age. The age difference was not much and there was the English language barrier. I couldn't speak Yoruba and the students were not proficient in English. However, with tenacity and willingness to learn, the students of ss2 in that school pushed through. They pushed through my soft voice, my English language and my lack of Yoruba for in depth explanation. 

My solution - explain carefully with the simplest words and give notes. I would not hurriedly forget those students.

Anyway, after service, real life hit. I enrolled for Masters program in a Nigerian university and while waiting to start, a strike started. I quietly carried my file and hit the streets in search of something to do. At first, I must confess, I learned sewing but I quickly realized, that was not for me. I wanted to start making my own money. To be sincere, that was the major reason I hit the streets. I was tired of asking my dad for money for everything. 

One evening, sitting on my bed as usual in my 'small cubicle', a former course mate put up an advert. The school needed an English teacher. Guys! I dusted my file and went to that school the very next day in a plain black skirt and black shirt with Chinese buttons. After the interview, I was offered the job and I became a teacher. I have already given a little from that interview, maybe someday, I will write about it - but not today. Something to note though, I actually wrote exams first before I was interviewed. 

I returned the following day with my file and submitted it. I met with the Administrator, a young woman who looked at me with a smile and told me I would teach the Primary school English. I had never taught a Primary school and I really wanted to stop staying at home so without knowledge on what it entailed and with joy that I was done staying at home, I jumped at the offer. No negotiations involved. 

My teaching experience brought me tears, laughter, panics, and I learned to negotiate, to speak and to explore. I cried a little when I had to let go of my kids going to the next class. You never know the innocence and smartness of kids until you have stayed with them for entire days. 

"I am emotional like that."

I'll continue this story some other time. My chaotic mind produced this so do not quickly judge this. I have written this feverishly and hurriedly as I cannot wait to delve into all the aspects of this job which many look down on because they do not know what it entails. 

If you have been a teacher or have any teaching experience, please share your story and comment down below.