I still remember my first job like it was yesterday.
Fresh out of secondary school, 17 years old, heart full of fire, and a head packed with dreams. I was posted to teach at a Montessori school. Me, barely older than some of the kids I was teaching. But I gave it everything.
That classroom changed me.
The joy of seeing a child “get it” because of something I taught? Unmatched.
The sparkle in their eyes when learning finally clicked? Priceless.
I realised quickly: teaching is power.
Real power.
But if you’ve ever taught in Nigeria, whether it’s public or private, village school or urban, you know what the hustle looks like.
Underpaid.
Overworked.
Overlooked.
You pour your soul into other people’s children, sometimes without enough in your own pocket to buy fuel or airtime. You spend weekends marking, nights preparing, and still show up smiling Monday morning.
But here’s what I wish every teacher could hear clearly:
You are not “just” a teacher.
You’re a builder of destinies and your knowledge is currency.
The truth no one tells Nigerian teachers
For too long, the system has made you believe that your value ends at the classroom door. That if you want to earn more, you must leave the profession.
Lie.
Let me show you what’s possible when you stop thinking only inside the school walls:
- You can write and publish your own books books that teach, inspire, and earn you royalties for years.
- You can launch digital courses and get paid daily without waiting for salary month-end.
- You can teach students around the world on Zoom. Yes, from your small room in Abeokuta, Port Harcourt, Jos or anywhere.
- You can consult for schools that need your experience both locally and abroad.
- You can package your years of wisdom into online products, speaking gigs, and training programs.
You don’t have to abandon teaching to rise.
You just have to think beyond the classroom.
Planting my first financial seed at 17
Back to that first teaching job. I took most of my salary and invested it into three things:
- Stocks
- Giving
- Growth
People asked why I didn’t just “enjoy” it. But I knew: if my future would change, I had to plant seeds early.
The same is true for every teacher reading this now.
You don’t need millions to start. You need vision.
And a little boldness to take your first step.
why I’m sponsoring 5 teachers to grow
That’s why I’m personally sponsoring 5 teachers to attend an upcoming 2-day virtual masterclass called Beyond the Classroom, hosted by @topeadenuga.
This isn’t another boring training.
It’s for teachers who want to:
- Learn how to publish their first book
- Create and sell online courses
- Explore global teaching opportunities
- Monetize their teaching experience
- Build income beyond salary, without leaving the classroom
📅 August 8 & 9
🕕 6PM WAT
📍 Zoom
💰 ₦10,000 (but free for 5 teachers I’m sponsoring)
How to get sponsored
To be selected, all you need to do is drop a comment sharing:
- Your teacher journey
- Your dreams
- Or what this masterclass could do for you
I’ll personally read them and pick the 5 most compelling entries.
Already earning well? Pay for yourself.
Believe in another teacher? Sponsor them.
Either way, take the leap.
The calling is great, but your life matters too
Dear teacher, I honour you.
You are the reason doctors learn to treat, lawyers learn to argue, and presidents learn to lead.
But while you’ve been helping others rise, it’s time to rise too.
I know the system often ignores you.
I know you’re tired.
I know sometimes you wonder, “Is this really worth it?”
But here’s the truth:
You are sitting on gold.
Your knowledge, your years, your scars, your voice, they matter.
They’re valuable. Globally. Digitally. Financially.
You don’t need to be tech-savvy. You don’t need fancy equipment.
You just need the right guidance, the right community, and the courage to move.
This masterclass could be your first seed.
The same way that 17-year-old me planted seeds in stocks and self-growth, you too can start your journey now, not someday.
Not next year.
Now.
You don’t need to leave the classroom to rise.
You just need to think beyond it.
And I believe your best days as a teacher are not behind you
They’re just beginning.
So, dear teacher, what are you waiting for?
👉 Drop your comment to be considered.
👉 Pay for yourself if you can.
👉 Sponsor another teacher if you care.
And always remember:
You’re not just a teacher.
You’re a light.
A leader.
A legend in the making.
Let’s help you build a future as beautiful as the ones you’ve helped others build.
Now, pass me that cold malt.
