Top 13 Ethical Practices Every Nigerian Teacher Must Embrace

Ethical Practices for Nigerian Teachers: A Guide to Excellence

Introduction

Teachers hold a vital position in shaping the future of students. Upholding ethical standards ensures effective teaching and fosters a nurturing environment. Below are 13 key practices every Nigerian teacher must embrace for professional success and to boost students’ understanding.

13 Ethical Practices for Teachers in Nigeria

1. Avoid Tasting/Eating Pupils’ Food
   Respect students’ meals. Eating a child’s food breaches trust and shows lack of boundaries.
2. Do Not Solicit Money or Gifts
   Teachers asking for gifts create unequal relationships, which can harm the classroom dynamic.
3. Never Treat Students as Rivals
   Avoid comparing yourself with students. Instead, nurture their confidence and independence.
4. Be Patient and Gentle with Children
   Teachers must maintain calmness. Avoid crankiness and handle students’ mistakes with empathy.
5. Punctuality is Key
   Arrive early to prepare for lessons. Being late disrupts students’ focus and learning experience.
6. Always Mark Assignments
   Regularly review students’ work. Feedback enhances performance and shows dedication to their growth.
7. Refrain From Borrowing From Students
   Borrowing from students undermines respect and reverses teacher-student roles.
8. Keep Promises Made to Students
   Failing to fulfill promises erodes trust and credibility among students.
9. Show Respect to Authorities
   Avoid rude behavior toward school administrators. Respect fosters cooperation and smooth operation.
10. Submit Records Promptly
    Timely submission of school records reflects accountability and commitment.
11. Avoid Making or Receiving Calls in Class
    Using phones during lessons distracts students and hinders effective teaching.
12. Never Use Foul Language
    Using derogatory terms or labels harms students’ self-esteem and creates a hostile learning environment.
13. Do Not Abscond With School Property
    Leaving without resigning formally and taking school resources is unethical and unlawful.

Examples of Ethical Behaviors in Nigerian Schools

• Always arrive 10 minutes before lessons start.
• Return borrowed classroom materials promptly.
• Speak to students kindly and respectfully.
• Apologize if a mistake occurs in class.

Read more on Nigerian teachers’ code of conduct here.

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

1. Teachers should never ______ pupils’ food.
   a) Buy
   b) Taste
   c) Give
   d) Share
   Answer: b) Taste
2. Asking students for ______ is unethical.
   a) Directions
   b) Notes
   c) Gifts
   d) Help
   Answer: c) Gifts
3. Punctuality is the ______ of business.
   a) Time
   b) Soul
   c) Idea
   d) Cause
   Answer: b) Soul
4. Teachers should always ______ students’ assignments.
   a) Return
   b) Assign
   c) Mark
   d) Check
   Answer: c) Mark
5. Borrowing things from pupils undermines ______.
   a) Trust
   b) Relationships
   c) Roles
   d) Respect
   Answer: d) Respect
6. Teachers must avoid making ______ calls in class.
   a) Unimportant
   b) Urgent
   c) Private
   d) Any
   Answer: d) Any
7. Rude behavior to authorities ______ professionalism.
   a) Builds
   b) Enhances
   c) Destroys
   d) Rewards
   Answer: c) Destroys
8. Failing to keep promises erodes ______.
   a) Confidence
   b) Trust
   c) Authority
   d) Friendship
   Answer: b) Trust
9. Absconding with school properties is ______.
   a) Wrong
   b) Necessary
   c) Normal
   d) Justified
   Answer: a) Wrong
10. Teachers should respect students’ ______.
    a) Privacy
    b) Food
    c) Questions
    d) Patience
    Answer: b) Food

FAQs on Ethical Practices for Nigerian Teachers

1. Why is punctuality important for teachers?
   It sets a good example and ensures effective lesson delivery.
2. Can teachers taste students’ food if offered?
   No, it breaches professional boundaries.
3. Why is it unethical to ask for gifts from students?
   It creates unfair expectations and power imbalances.
4. What are the effects of using foul language in class?
   It lowers students’ confidence and creates fear.
5. Should teachers borrow things from students?
   No, it undermines respect and professionalism.
6. Why should teachers mark students’ assignments?
   Feedback motivates learning and measures progress.
7. Can teachers make calls during lessons?
   No, it distracts students and disrupts learning.
8. What happens if promises are not fulfilled?
   It destroys trust between teachers and students.
9. Why should teachers submit records on time?
   Timely submission promotes accountability and smooth school operations.
10. Is it professional to treat students as rivals?
    No, teachers should nurture students, not compete with them.

Evaluation Questions

1. List three reasons why a teacher should not be late to school.
2. Explain the importance of fulfilling promises to students.
3. What are the consequences of using foul language in the classroom?
4. Mention two ways teachers can respect their students’ boundaries.
5. Why is marking assignments an ethical obligation for teachers?
6. Define punctuality and its relevance to teaching.
7. State two reasons teachers should not ask students for gifts.
8. Discuss the role of respect toward school authorities.
9. Why is it wrong to abscond with school properties?
10. Explain how rude behavior affects a teacher’s reputation.