Authors :
Nweze, Isaiah Ifeanyi; Fred-Ibe, God’s Favour; Ugwute, Charles Ogbonna; Nwovu, Chukwuka Abraham; Chukwu, Florence Amarachukwu
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 5 - May
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/23wcwj8n
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/4sj2e6ba
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26May430
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Teaching practice is a vital part of training future teachers in Nigeria, giving student-teachers real classroom
experience to connect theory with practice. However, many student-teachers face significant challenges during this
practicum. Problems like a lack of proper supervision, poor communication between universities and schools, financial
pressures, overcrowded classrooms, and short teaching practice periods often make it hard for students to fully benefit from
this important training. This paper looks closely at these challenges and explores how they affect the development of teaching
skills. It also suggests practical ways to improve the experience. The paper further reviewed the prospects and new directions
for teaching practice in Nigeria, therefor recommends among others that there should be better planning and placement of
student-teachers, increased financial support, more training and monitoring of supervisors, stronger partnerships between
universities and schools, and encouraging student reflection and peer support. The use of digital tools for supervision and
feedback was also discussed as a helpful innovation. Finally, the paper emphasizes the need to give students more time for
their teaching practice to allow deeper engagement. By addressing these issues thoughtfully, Nigerian universities can make
teaching practice more effective, helping to prepare skilled and confident teachers who will improve education across the
country.
Keywords :
Teaching Practice, Nigerian Universities, Education Students, Challenges, Prospects.
References :
- Abieyuwa, O. O. (2021). Assessment of Challenges Experienced by Trainee-Teachers During Teaching Practice Exercise in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies, 12(4), 175-181.
- Abubakar, A., Madawaki, A., & Naabu, A. (2022). Influence of Overcrowded Classrooms on Students’ Academic Performance in Secondary Schools of Nigeria. Archives of Educational Studies (ARES), 2(2), 258-276.
- Adeoye, M. A., Akinnubi, O. P., Suleiman, Y., Mahmud, M. A., & Jimoh, H. A. (2023). Impact of School-University Partnerships and Professional Learning Communities. Jurnal Penelitian dan Pengembangan Pendidikan, 7(3), 465-473.
- Aderibigbe, S., Colucci-Gray, L., & Gray, D. S. (2016). Conceptions and expectations of mentoring relationships in a teacher education reform context. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 24(1), 8-29.
- Akinyemi, A. L., Adelana, O. P., & Olurinola, O. D. (2022). Use of infographics as teaching and learning tools: Survey of pre-service teachers’ knowledge and readiness in a Nigerian university. Journal of ICT in Education, 9(1), 117-130.
- Alfauzan, A. A., & Tarchouna, N. (2017). The role of an aligned curriculum design in the achievement of learning outcomes. Journal of Education and e-Learning Research, 4(3), 81-91.
- Anderson, L. W., & Krathwohl, D. R. (2001). A taxonomy for learning, teaching, and assessing: A revision of Bloom's taxonomy of educational objectives: complete edition. Addison Wesley Longman, Inc.
- Apelehin, A. A., Ajuluchukwu, P., Okonkwo, C. A., Imohiosen, C. E., & Iguma, D. R. (2025). Enhancing teacher training for social improvement in education: Innovative approaches and best practices. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 51(2), 244-255.
- Awe, B. A., Osiesi, M. P., Tilije, R. N., & Olayinka, F. O. (2023). Gender Impact on Teachers‟ Trainees‟ perceived preparedness and Challenges encountered during Teaching Practicum in Southwest Federal Universities, Nigeria. Journal of African Education, 4(1).
- Awodiji, O. A., Ayanwale, M. A., & Oyedoyin, M. M. (2022). Availability and utilisation of E-supervision of instruction facilities in the post-COVID-19 era.
- Brookfield, S. D. (2017). Becoming a critically reflective teacher. John Wiley & Sons.
- Bunmi, A. S., & Taiwo, A. G. (2017). Teachers, curriculum reform for entrepreneurship education in Nigeria: Issues and consequences. Journal of Current Studies in Comparative Education, Science and Technology, 4(2), 10-21.
- Carpenter, J. P., & Linton, J. N. (2016). Edcamp unconferences: Educators' perspectives on an untraditional professional learning experience. Teaching and Teacher Education, 57, 97-108.
- Dada, E. M. (n.d.). Effects of Reflective and Micro-Teaching Practices on Teaching.
- Ekundayo, H. T., Alonge, H. O., Kolawole, A. O., & Ekundayo, S. K. (2014). Teaching practice exercise for education students in Nigerian universities: Challenges and the way forward. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 5(9), 486-492.
- Elayah, J. A. (2018). Towards bridging the theory-practice gap in teacher education: A case study of pre-service EFL teacher education program in Yemen. Conflux Journal of Education, 6(1), 17-31.
- Evertson, C. M., & Weinstein, C. S. (Eds.). (2013). Handbook of classroom management: Research, practice, and contemporary issues. Routledge.
- Fafunwa, A. B. (1989). Education in Mother Tongue: The Ife Primary Education Research Project (1970-1978).
- Fafunwa, A. B. (2018). History of education in Nigeria. Routledge.
- Federal Ministry of Education. (2020). National Policy on Education. Retrieved from https://education.gov.ng/national-policy-on-education/
- Hudson, P., & Hudson, S. (2018). Mentoring preservice teachers: Identifying tensions and possible resolutions. Teacher Development, 22(1), 16-30.
- Ifarajimi, M., Bolaji, S., Mason, J., & Jalloh, S. (2025). Teachers’ Beliefs About Mentoring Practices in Nigeria’s Public School System: A Proposed Framework to Curb Teacher Attrition. Education Sciences, 15(5), 526.
- Ikpeama, F. U., Umoren, N. J., & Paul-Mgbeafulike, V. S. (2025). Digital Skills Possessed by Secondary School Teachers for Effective Instructional Delivery. AAU Journal of Business Educators, 5(1), 186-196.
- Killen, R., & O'Toole, M. (2023). Effective teaching strategies 8e. Cengage AU.
- Mishra, P., & Koehler, M. J. (2006). Technological pedagogical content knowledge: A framework for teacher knowledge. Teachers’ college record, 108(6), 1017-1054.
- National Commission for Colleges of Education. (2021). Minimum Standards and Guidelines for the Establishment of Colleges of Education in Nigeria. Abuja: NCCE. Retrieved from https://ncce.gov.ng/Resources
- National Universities Commission. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from NUC website.
- Ndubuisi, W. C., & Ndubuisi, V. N. (2024). Mentoring in Nigerian University System: Challenges and Prospects. International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research, 2(4), 483-495.
- Nesbitt, H., & Barry, D. (2024). Does the Mentorship of Cooperating Teachers Meet the Needs of Their Student Teachers?: A Mixed-Methods Exploration. Journal of Agricultural Education, 65(4), 1-19.
- Nwafor, P. I., Ejoh, A. O., Chukwurah, M. U., & Okeke, S. U. (2023). Assessment of teachers’ competence in utilization of digital instructional tools in Upper Basic Schools in Cross River State, Nigeria. Global Journal of Educational Research, 22(2), 165-175.
- Obielodan, O. O., Onojah, A. O., Onojah, A. A., Aladesusi, G. A., & Alani, T. R. (n.d.). Education Lecturers’ Perceived use Of Mobile Technologies for Instruction. PEDAGOGIA, 21(1), 47-56.
- Odutayo, A. O., & Ramsaroop, S. (2023). Experiences of student-teachers: Implications for refined student-support. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 22(7), 87-103.
- Ogunbameru, M. T., & Umameiye, R. (2012). Reflective practice: A strategy for improving teaching practice in Nigerian Colleges of Education. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 1(4), 282-294.
- Ogunode, N.J. and Ibrahim, A. (2023). Instructional Supervision in Nigerian Schools: Problems and Solutions. International Journal on Integrated Education. 6, 4 (Apr. 2023), 156–165. DOI:https://doi.org/10.31149/ijie.v6i4.4285.
- Ogunrinbokun, B. E., Salawu, M. A., & Oluwole-Moses, O. (2023). Congestion in Classrooms and Academic Achievement of Junior Secondary School Business Studies Students in Lagos. Akoka Journal of Vocational Education, 13(1), 40-50.
- Ogunyinka, E. K., Okeke, T. I., & Adedoyin, R. C. (2015). Teacher education and development in Nigeria: An analysis of reforms, challenges and prospects. Education Journal, 4(3), 111-122.
- Ojo, O. J., Ogar, J. O., Atolagbe, A. A. A., & Ola-Alani, E. K. (2023). Mentoring Strategies and Secondary School Effectiveness in Ilorin East Kwara State: A Symbiotic Examination.
- Okechukwu, J. N., & Oboshi, B. C. (2021). Influence of Overcrowded Classroom on Pupils’ Academic Achievement in Public Primary Schools in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Journal of Educational Research & Development, 4(2).
- Oliver, R. M., Wehby, J. H., & Reschly, D. J. (2011). Teacher classroom management practices: Effects on disruptive or aggressive student behaviour. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 7(1), 1-55.
- Oredein, A. O., & Oyetade, M. D. (2018). Orientation, Supervision and University Student-teacher Performance in Oyo State, Nigeria. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 5(11).
- Osiesi, M. P., Omokhabi, U. S., Adeniran, S. A., Akomolafe, O. D., Obateru, O. T., Oke, C. C., & Aruleba, A. L. (2023). Stressors, coping strategies, and achievement during teaching practicum in a Nigerian public university. Higher Learning Research Communications, 13(1), 1.
- Richardson-Koehler, V. (1988). Barriers to the effective supervision of student teaching: A field study. Journal of teacher education, 39(2), 28-34.
- Segal, A. (2019). Story exchange in teacher professional discourse. Teaching and Teacher Education, 86, 102913.
- Simonsen, B., Meyer, K., Plumb, A., Duble Moore, T., & Sears, S. (2024). Intensifying Tier 1 Classroom Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Practices to Support Students with Disabilities: A Pilot Study. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 10983007241276526.
- Smith, E. (2008). Raising standards in American schools? Problems with improving teacher quality. Teaching and teacher education, 24(3), 610-622.
- Tatto, M. T. (1999). Improving teacher education in rural Mexico: The challenges and tensions of constructivist reform. Teaching and teacher education, 15(1), 15-35.
- Tope, A. A. A., Sunday, A. F., & Yetunde, A. O. (2018). Cost and Effectiveness of Teaching Pactice Among Student-Teachers in Tertiary Institutions in Oyo State, Nigeria. African Journal of Educational Management, 19(01), 135-153.
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization [UNESCO]. (2018). Preparing teachers for global citizenship education: a template.
- Ünver, S. K. (2018). Views of Mathematics Student Teachers on Teacher Insights into the Teaching Process. International Journal of Instruction, 11(4), 689-700.
- Hudson, P. (2016). Forming the mentor-mentee relationship. Mentoring & tutoring: partnership in learning, 24(1), 30-43.
- Yusuf, H. T., Odutayo, A. O., & Tuoyo, A. O. (2022). Effectiveness of teaching practice supervision as perceived by student-teachers in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria. Journal of Educational Sciences, 6(3), 312-319.
- Zeichner, K. (2010). Rethinking the connections between campus courses and field experiences in college-and university-based teacher education. Journal of teacher education, 61(1-2), 89-99.
Teaching practice is a vital part of training future teachers in Nigeria, giving student-teachers real classroom
experience to connect theory with practice. However, many student-teachers face significant challenges during this
practicum. Problems like a lack of proper supervision, poor communication between universities and schools, financial
pressures, overcrowded classrooms, and short teaching practice periods often make it hard for students to fully benefit from
this important training. This paper looks closely at these challenges and explores how they affect the development of teaching
skills. It also suggests practical ways to improve the experience. The paper further reviewed the prospects and new directions
for teaching practice in Nigeria, therefor recommends among others that there should be better planning and placement of
student-teachers, increased financial support, more training and monitoring of supervisors, stronger partnerships between
universities and schools, and encouraging student reflection and peer support. The use of digital tools for supervision and
feedback was also discussed as a helpful innovation. Finally, the paper emphasizes the need to give students more time for
their teaching practice to allow deeper engagement. By addressing these issues thoughtfully, Nigerian universities can make
teaching practice more effective, helping to prepare skilled and confident teachers who will improve education across the
country.
Keywords :
Teaching Practice, Nigerian Universities, Education Students, Challenges, Prospects.