Isaac Olusola Akindutire and Haastrup Timilehin Ekundayo
Every nation strives towards the provision of quality education for its citizens, because of the realization that education is necessary to engineer and consolidate any nation’s developmental process. However, achieving quality education would be a mirage if teacher education is not in good shape. This paper examined the historical development of teacher education in Nigeria, the purpose of teacher education, the present position of teacher education in Nigeria, the roles and attributes of a good teacher and the need for professionalisation of the teaching profession. Moreover, an important thrust of the paper hinges on the challenges facing teacher education in Nigeria which include, inadequate funding, poor societal perception of teacher education; lack of commitment among teachers; problem of attrition in teaching; lack of motivation; unethical behaviour of some teachers. Based on these challenges, it was therefore, recommended, as the way forward, that teaching profession should be truly professionalized; public should develop positive perception of teachers; the curriculum of teacher education needs to be reviewed in conformity with global trends. It was also recommended that there should be improved welfare package for teachers. The government, as well as, other stakeholders should ensure that befitting infrastructures are put in place to enhance better teacher education programme.
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