CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Education is the bed-rock of any nation‘s defense. Education is that process that helps to develop the whole man physically, mentally, socially and technologically to enable him to function effectively in any environment in which he may find himself. (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2009). Ogundele, (2000) observed that no nation rises above the level of its education and no educational system outgrows the quality and status of its teachers. Nakpodia, (2006) observed that in any educational arrangement, the success lies in the commitment of the teachers. Therefore, the relevance of job satisfaction and motivation are very crucial to the long-time growth of any educational system around the world. Teachers are expected to render a very high job performance. And the Ministry of Education is always curious regarding the job performance of its teachers. Also, the Ministry of Education demands a very high measure of loyalty, patriotism, dedication, hard- work and commitment from its teachers. (Ubom & Joshua, 2004). Unsatisfactory working condition and conditions of service which are the major contributory factors that are militating against the enhancement of teachers‘ effectiveness in their performance of duties. Factors such as inadequate fringe benefits, delay in the payment of retirement benefits, irregular staff promotion or non promotion at all, denial of rights of workers, delayed and unpaid salaries and allowances resulting in incessant industrial disputes and strikes, lockouts and academic dislocation.