Correlation between Teacher Motivation, Remuneration and Student Outcomes in Nigeria, with a Focus on Public versus Private Educational Institutions

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between teacher motivation, remuneration, and student outcomes in Nigeria, with a focus on public versus private educational institutions Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The investigation into the correlation between teacher motivation, remuneration, and student outcomes in Nigeria reveals a clear link between teacher incentives and student performance, with notable differences between public and private institutions. In private schools, where teachers generally receive higher salaries and better working conditions, student outcomes are significantly better, as measured by exam performance and retention rates. Conversely, in public schools, low teacher remuneration, lack of incentives, and inadequate working conditions result in low teacher motivation, which negatively impacts student outcomes. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Herzberg’s two-factor theory, expectancy theory & equity theory may be used to anchor future studies on the correlation between teacher motivation, remuneration, and student outcomes in Nigeria, with a focus on public versus private educational institutions. Performance-based remuneration systems should be implemented in public schools to enhance teacher motivation. Policymakers should establish a national remuneration framework that aligns public and private sector teacher pay, ensuring equity in compensation and reducing the motivation gap between the sectors.