Chemistry Teacher Interest: A Crucial Factor in Chemistry Education and Development in Nigeria

The purpose of this paper is to highlight interest as an element of development and it’s consequence on teacher education and development. This opinion paper considers students’ interest in teaching as a profession despite the positive enrollment statistics, so as to contribute and stimulate debate and discussion, and offer new perspective and insights. Literature review and expert opinions methods were used to support the author’s opinion. Results were synthesized to support the author’s opinion on interest and it’s benefits to chemistry teacher education and development, factors responsible for students lack of interest on teaching discussed into; the country’s poor educational system, mini salaries/remuneration, desire to get money quick, love for soft work, discouraging testimonies from teachers/educators in the system, lack of prestige associated with the profession, and lack of models. The consequences have negative effect on teacher’s education and development in general and chemistry teacher’s education and development in particular which has resulted to production of graduates with education certificate but without interest in the profession. Ways to improve and sustain students’ interest were recommended. However, if the recommendations are implemented, it will move teachers from lamentation stage to the stage of influence