In a world where technology is playing a major role in day-to-day interactions, leveraging the same to leapfrog limitations is on the rise with smart teachers jumping on the bandwagon to, among other things, keep pace with contemporary trends, as well as shore up extra income amid perennial poor pay. IYABO LAWAL writes that embracing technology is simply a sine qua non for any teacher who wants to be up-to-date, and desirous of maximising other streams of income. Beyond having adequate knowledge of pedagogy and a life-long learning mindset, some stakeholders maintain that being a modern teacher in Nigeria entails embracing change and finding creative ways to connect with students in multiple learning environments.

But the growing lucre for well-paid online teaching, some say could lead to a shortage of qualified teachers in schools, especially in a system where students rely on in-person instructions. “Good job, Alex!” said Amara Kanu, a primary school teacher in Lagos State. Grinning, she added as she concluded an online private lesson with a pupil: “I’m glad to see the progress that you have made so far, especially in your mathematics.

” For a while, Alex struggled with mathematics, but he appeared to have improved since his parents afforded him private online lessons, usually via WhatsApp, or Zoom. Each session is often an hour long. “I charge N10,000 per hour,” Miss Kanu revealed.

“However, since he seems to have a phobia for mathematics, I usually use an a.