Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has praised Nigerian teachers for their dedication while faulting the administration of President Bola Tinubu over what he described as worsening economic difficulties facing educators in the country.
Atiku made the remarks in a Teachers’ Day statement issued on Monday by his Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress also questioned Tinubu’s understanding of teachers’ challenges, alleging that the President could not recall the name of a teacher who taught him or a classmate who sat beside him.
Atiku contrasted this with his personal experience, recalling the teachers who taught him during his childhood in Jada and identified his potential despite being a young orphan.
“I still remember the names and faces of my early teachers in Jada, who saw potential in a young orphan when few others did. They taught me arithmetic and grammar, but they also gave me a future,” Atiku said.
He argued that the disconnect between some political leaders and the realities faced by teachers was evident in policies that had failed to sufficiently address their welfare.
“It is both revealing and deeply embarrassing that Bola Tinubu cannot name a single teacher who stood before him or a classmate who sat beside him,” he said.
According to Atiku, teachers play a fundamental role in shaping society and their responsibilities extend beyond classroom teaching.
Teachers are the architects of every nation’s future. A leader who cannot remember those who laid the foundation of his own education has shown just how far removed he is from the classroom and from the daily struggles of those who keep it alive.
He also highlighted the financial difficulties confronting teachers, including the rising cost of transportation and food.
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“When I hear of a teacher forced to walk miles because transport fares consume so much of their salary, or borrowing food on credit to feed their family before going to teach our children, my heart breaks,” Atiku said.
The former Vice President criticised the practice of celebrating teachers on October 5 without addressing the challenges they face throughout the year.
Government cannot praise teachers on this day and leave them to face hardship for the rest of the year. A commemorative message cannot pay a teacher’s bills,” he said.
Atiku, who founded the American University of Nigeria, said his involvement in the education sector had further strengthened his appreciation of teachers and their contribution to the country.
He described educators as key builders of knowledge, confidence and opportunity, arguing that Nigeria’s pursuit of sustainable development would remain difficult if the welfare of those educating its children was neglected.
The ADC presidential candidate pledged that his administration, if elected, would focus on measures to reduce the cost of living, promote decent employment and improve the welfare of teachers and other Nigerian workers.
“My promise is clear: I will work to make life affordable again. Teachers and families should not have to watch their incomes disappear on food, transport, rent and electricity,” he said.
He also offered an apology to teachers and Nigerians over what he described as leadership that had failed to prioritise their welfare.
“I apologise to Nigeria’s teachers and to all Nigerians on behalf of a leadership that has failed to make their welfare a priority. Teachers deserve more than praise, and Nigerians deserve a government that puts their lives and livelihoods first,” he said.
Teachers’ Day, marked every October 5, recognises the contribution of educators to learning and national development while drawing attention to issues affecting the profession, including pay, working conditions and access to teaching materials.
Atiku called on Nigerians to move beyond verbal appreciation of teachers and support policies capable of improving their living standards and working conditions.