My Mother Is Also a Teacher

Nigerian social media commentator VeryDarkMan has sparked national conversation after expressing deep emotion over the recent kidnapping of teachers and students in Oyo State, highlighting the systemic undervaluation and poor welfare of educators across the country. The incident, which occurred in Oriire Local Government Area, saw gunmen abduct the school principal and several students during school hours, prompting widespread outrage and concern about the safety of education workers. VeryDarkMan, whose mother is also a teacher, said the attack felt deeply personal, emphasizing that Nigerian teachers are underpaid and overworked despite their dedication.

In a viral video shared online, VeryDarkMan lamented the harsh realities faced by educators, stating that many continue teaching not for financial gain, but out of genuine passion for children. “Because my mother is also a teacher, this feels a lot different. They don’t even pay teachers enough for them to be going through this,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion. He added that his mother, who teaches in a private school, often complains about low pay but refuses to leave her job because of her love for students. “My mother works in a private school and she complains about not getting paid enough but she can’t stop because she loves these children, that is the story of all the teachers in Nigeria,” he noted.

The abduction in Oyo State has reignited debates about the security and welfare of teachers nationwide. Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express solidarity with educators, with one user writing, “Teachers have great impacts in us mehn apart from our parents. They contributed to a large percentage of what we all are today.” Another commented, “Situations like this show how exposed and undervalued education workers are in this country.” However, not all reactions were supportive. Some critics accused VeryDarkMan of using emotional appeals to push narratives online, with one user sarcastically remarking, “Oya naw emotional blackmail 👀 This boy sabi this game wella.”

Despite the backlash, the incident has drawn attention to the urgent need for better protection and improved conditions for teachers. The Oyo State Police Command confirmed that security operatives are actively working to rescue the kidnapped victims and apprehend the attackers. As the nation waits for updates, the story underscores the vulnerability of education workers and the broader crisis in Nigeria’s security and education sectors. The incident serves as a stark reminder that teachers, who play a vital role in shaping the future, must be protected and properly compensated for their service.