Presidential candidates mark World Teachers’ Day with tributes, urging better pay, welfare and affordable living
Two candidates in the January 16 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Peter Obi of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), have called for policies to reduce the economic pressures on teachers and their families.
In separate statements yesterday to mark World Teachers’ Day, both men said teachers play a critical role in shaping the lives of Nigerians and the future of the country.
Atiku: “A commemorative message cannot pay a teacher’s bills”
Atiku, a former vice-president, recalled his own teachers in Jada, who he said encouraged him as a young orphan. He argued that teachers should not have to struggle with rising transport fares, food prices, rent and electricity bills while still being expected to deliver quality education.
He described reports of teachers walking long distances to work or borrowing to feed their families as distressing, and criticised President Bola Tinubu over what he called the administration’s failure to adequately address their hardship.
“Government cannot praise teachers on this day and leave them to face hardship for the rest of the year,” Atiku said. “A commemorative message cannot pay a teacher’s bills. Respect must be reflected in fair conditions, reliable support and policies that make life affordable.”
Obi: Restore the dignity of teaching
In a message on his X handle, Obi said the quality of teachers will largely determine the country’s human capital and future. He said teachers do more than impart knowledge: they shape minds, nurture character and prepare the next generation of citizens, professionals and leaders.
The NDC candidate commended teachers for their resilience, dedication and sacrifice, particularly those working under difficult socio-economic conditions. He said more must be done to improve their welfare, ensure prompt payment of salaries, provide conducive working environments and equip them with the tools to teach effectively.
According to Obi, the dignity of the teaching profession must be restored. He added that Nigeria cannot effectively tackle out-of-school children, unemployment, poverty and underdevelopment without deliberate and sustained investment in education.
He thanked teachers for their service and for contributing to nation-building “one child at a time,” urging them to remain steadfast and hopeful, and saying the Nigeria Nigerians desire is possible, but that building it must begin with investing in people.
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