Challenges Facing German Language Teachers in Public Universities in Benue State

This study examines the professional challenges confronting German language teachers in public universities in Benue State, located in the North Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria. While considerable research has focused on German language teaching in the South West and South East regions, the experiences of teachers in North Central Nigeria have received limited scholarly attention. The study adopts a qualitative research design, utilising in-depth interviews with 20 German language lecturers drawn from two public universities in the state. The interviews explored themes including workload, resource availability, professional development, institutional support, and student engagement. Findings reveal that German language teachers in the region face multiple structural and motivational challenges, including inadequate library holdings, insufficient technology infrastructure, and limited opportunities for continuing education. Many participants reported feelings of professional isolation due to the relatively small size of their departments and the absence of active peer networks. The study also notes that low student enrolment in German language courses creates additional institutional pressure on departmental funding and staffing. Recommendations include the establishment of a national network for German language educators in Nigeria, investment in digital teaching infrastructure, and the creation of competitive grant schemes to support staff research. Keywords: German language teachers, professional challenges, Benue State, public universities, North Central Nigeria.