TEACHER ATTRITION AMONG AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE TEACHERS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA: CAUSES AND IMPLICATIONS

Teacher attrition is one of the most persistent challenges confronting the Nigerian education system, particularly in specialized subjects such as agricultural science. This conceptual paper examines the causes and implications of teacher attrition among agricultural science teachers in public secondary schools in Edo State, Nigeria. The study identifies low salaries, poor infrastructure, lack of teaching resources, heavy workload, inadequate professional recognition, and unstable education policies as the leading causes of attrition. The paper highlights far-reaching implications of attrition, including the shortage of qualified teachers, reduced quality of instruction, declining student achievement, and long-term threats to agricultural education and food security. Recommendations include improved teacher remuneration, better working conditions, provision of instructional resources, and supportive policy frameworks.