₦35,000 Salary, ₦20,000 Sportswear — Man Recounts Why Colleague Lost Teaching Job

A Nigerian man has sparked reactions online after recounting the experience of a colleague who lost his teaching job after earning a monthly salary of ₦35,000.

The man, identified on X as @Obaleke, shared the experience while explaining the difficult conditions faced by some teachers in Nigeria and how his colleague eventually left the profession.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the colleague had worked at the school for about five months when the proprietor instructed all teachers to purchase sportswear estimated to cost ₦20,000 for an upcoming inter-house sports event.

The teacher, who reportedly could not afford the required outfit, sought financial assistance from his father. However, rather than provide the money, his father advised him to resign from the job, apparently concerned about the financial implications of continuing to work under such conditions.

Despite his father’s warning, the teacher decided to remain at the school. He reportedly deducted ₦20,000 from his ₦35,000 monthly salary and used the money to purchase the required sportswear.

However, what happened afterward reportedly left him disappointed. The teacher was subsequently dismissed from the school and, after seeking an explanation for his termination, was allegedly told that a qualified person had been employed to take over his position.

The account has generated significant reactions on social media, with several users using the incident to highlight concerns about the welfare and remuneration of teachers in Nigeria.

Some commenters argued that the experience demonstrated how poorly paid employment can leave workers financially vulnerable, while others expressed sympathy for the teacher and suggested that he deserved a better-paying opportunity.

The story has also reignited conversations about the salaries, working conditions and general welfare of teachers, particularly young graduates who accept low-paying jobs while seeking opportunities to build their careers.