The import of professional development programmes for primary school teachers in Nigeria

Abstract

The paper discussed the import of professional development programmes for primary school teachers in Nigeria. It highlighted the relevance of the primary school teacher; effective development programmes for them in relation to their teaching competences; the primary education in Nigeria, its functions and challenges confronting it; challenges facing primary school teachers. The paper further explored the objectives and forms of teachers’ development and barriers to effective teacher development programmes in Nigeria. It concluded that Mechanisms for effective teachers’ professional development should be put in place by stakeholders on a regular basis; as this is tantamount to enhancing teachers’ teaching competences and that teachers at the primary schools need regular on-the-job professional development programmes. A number of recommendations were articulated to ensure continuous and effective teachers development for practicing primary school teachers in Nigeria.