Teachers are professionals who develop and nurture young individuals into responsible and productive citizens. As such, the teaching profession is a noble profession which is expected to be respected by all and sundry in the society. However, this is no more so in Nigeria. In order to discover the cause, this research emanated. Since it is agreed that literature is the reflection of the society, this researcher chose to investigate how various Yorùbá film writers do depict the Nigerian teacher and teaching profession in their films. Two Yorùbá comic films were selected for this study and the sociology of literature was used as the theoretical framework. Various lackadaisical attitudes and corrupt practices of some culprits of the teaching profession were exposed through the analysis of the selected films. Though, the films show these comically and at times misrepresent who a teacher is, those culprits obviously have caused much havocs to the teaching profession. The films were therefore seen as satires calling for the re-orientation of teachers’ integrity. If Nigerian teachers would be maximally efficient, this paper recommended re-orientating teachers’ commitment and integrity, proper monitoring and supervision, encouraging incentives for teachers among others.
At a glance
- Case analysis of two Yoruba comic films Mr Teacher and Teacher Oko
- Application of the sociology of literature theoretical framework to analyze Nigerian films
- 14 sources in the bibliography
Table of Contents
Abstract
1. Introduction
1.1 The Theoretical Framework
1.2 The Synopsis of the Selected Films
1.3 Sociological Analysis of Nigerian Teachers in the Selected Yorùbá Comic Films
1.4 Case(s) of Misrepresentation of Teachers in the Selected Yoruba Comic Films
1.5 Conclusion
1.6 Recommendation
Objectives & Topics
The primary aim of this study is to examine how the Nigerian teacher and the teaching profession are depicted in contemporary Yoruba comic films, utilizing the sociology of literature framework to explore societal perceptions of educational decay and advocate for the re-orientation of teachers' integrity and commitment.
- Depiction of educators and teaching ethics in Nollywood's Yoruba comic cinema
- Theoretical underpinning through the sociology of literature and social reflection theory
- Critical analysis of misconduct including examination malpractices, embezzlement, and sexual harassment
- Distinction between satirical societal reality and comical misrepresentation of teachers
- Policy and institutional recommendations for supervising, certifying, and motivating educators
Excerpt from the Book
1.3 Sociological Analysis of Nigerian Teachers in the Selected Yorùbá Comic Films
Interpreting the events in the selected films through the theory of sociology of literature, it is obvious that the various characters given to actors and actresses in the films by the directors originated from the society. As explained previously, literature is the reflection of the society. In the light of this, it is not an overstatement to say that the following teachers’ misconducts found in the selected films are obtainable in our society.
1.3.1 Examination Malpractices: This refers to improper habit(s) display by students, teachers, examiners, invigilators or management before, during or after examination. As seen in the selected films, this has become a normal phenomenon in the education system of Nigeria. This could be pointed out in both films used as examples. For instance, Mr. Adisa in the film Mr Teacher sold question papers and answer script to a certain cake (àkàrà) seller. He also assured a female student whom he was hanging out with of the questions that will come out in the examination and promised her that she would pass all subjects. This is not strange in the society. Teachers engage in this form of behavior and through that bring shame and reproach to the teaching profession.
1.3.2 Sexual Harassment: This is a deliberate act of annoying someone sexually, especially an opposite sex. This is not supposed to happen in the school setting especially between teacher and student. Unfortunately, it is common. Mr. Badmus, Adisa and the principal of Nikky Bee Comprehensive High School in the film Mr Teacher were guilty of this crime just as many Nigerian teachers of today are. Also, in the film Teacher Oko, Mr. Agbaje and Mr. Ariyo were the culprits. They developed interest in the same girl, Amoke who collected money from one (Mr. Agbaje) for the other (Mr. Ariyo). This misconduct displayed by most Nigerian teachers has made students and the society at large to trample upon respect and honour given to teachers and the teaching profession.
Summary of Chapters
Abstract: Provides a succinct overview of the loss of prestige in the Nigerian teaching profession, the study's analytical approach using two comic films, and the call for systemic re-orientation.
1. Introduction: Outlines the foundational role of teachers as social role models and examines statutory teaching duties alongside the problem of declining societal respect for educators.
1.1 The Theoretical Framework: Details the sociology of literature framework, highlighting foundational literary theorists and establishing how film serves as a direct mirror of community norms and issues.
1.2 The Synopsis of the Selected Films: Summarizes the plotlines and character trajectories of Mr Teacher and Teacher Oko (Bush Teacher), focusing on unethical behaviors in urban and rural educational settings.
1.3 Sociological Analysis of Nigerian Teachers in the Selected Yorùbá Comic Films: Categorizes and examines real-world teachers' misconducts depicted on screen, including exam fraud, sexual harassment, embezzlement, mannerisms, administrative failures, indecent dressing, and chore exploitation.
1.4 Case(s) of Misrepresentation of Teachers in the Selected Yoruba Comic Films: Criticizes cinematic exaggerations that caricature professional incompetence beyond realistic standards, such as total ignorance of basic English grammar.
1.5 Conclusion: Reasserts that satirical film portrayals expose serious moral decay and nonchalance among teachers that compromise educational quality.
1.6 Recommendation: Puts forward concrete reformative measures involving ongoing ethics workshops, stricter inspection, qualified teacher registrations, improved incentives, and media regulations.
Keywords
Teacher, Teaching Profession, Nigeria, Yoruba Comic Films, Sociology of Literature, Satire, Integrity, Examination Malpractice, Sexual Harassment, Mr Teacher, Teacher Oko, Education Reform
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines how Nigerian school teachers and the teaching profession are portrayed in Yoruba comic cinema, analyzing whether these portrayals reflect actual societal decay or unfair cinematic caricatures.
Which key thematic areas are addressed in the study?
The study centers on the sociology of literature, statutory obligations of educators, prevalent administrative and ethical misconduct in schools, and the pedagogical consequences of teacher misbehavior.
What is the central research objective of the author?
The main objective is to identify how film reflections of corrupt practices and negligence in teaching call for an urgent re-orientation of teachers' professional integrity in Nigeria.
Which methodological and theoretical framework is utilized?
The study utilizes qualitative literary and cultural analysis grounded in the sociology of literature, which conceptualizes artistic works and films as sociological mirrors of their host society.
What misconducts are analyzed in the main analytical chapter?
The main body investigates specific vices including examination malpractices, sexual exploitation of students, financial embezzlement, verbal abuse, administrative negligence, improper dressing, and the abuse of pupils for personal domestic labor.
Which keywords define the research?
The core keywords include Teacher, Teaching, Profession, Comic films, Satire, Integrity, Sociology of Literature, and Yoruba Cinema.
Which specific films are evaluated as case studies?
The author investigates two specific Yoruba comic productions: Mr Teacher produced by Small World Nig. Ltd and Teacher Oko (Bush Teacher) directed by Seyi Adeoye.
How does the author distinguish between legitimate satire and unrealistic misrepresentation?
The author argues that while ethical infractions reflect societal realities, depicting certified teachers who are completely incapable of conjugating basic English past tenses constitutes comedic exaggeration that unduly trivializes the profession.
What concrete interventions does the author propose for educational authorities?
The paper recommends routine integrity workshops, strict classroom supervision, enforcing registered certification requirements, providing competitive financial incentives, and establishing legal guidelines for realistic media portrayals of teachers.
- Quote paper
- Ifeoluwa Akinsola (Author), 2015, The Nigerian teacher and teaching profession as depicted by selected Yoruba comic films. A call to re-orientate teachers' integrity, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/375660
