Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has commended Nigerian teachers for their contributions to national development while criticising the Federal Government over the economic hardship confronting educators and other Nigerians.
Atiku, in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, said teachers deserved more than commendation, stressing that their welfare should be reflected in government policies.
The former vice president recalled his childhood in Jada, saying he still remembered the teachers who taught and encouraged him when he was young.
“I appreciate Nigerian teachers. I am a product of their work and the education I received in their classrooms. 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 expressed concern over the difficulties faced by teachers as the cost of food, transportation, housing and electricity continues to rise.
According to him, some teachers are now struggling to meet basic household needs despite the importance of their profession.
Atiku said no government should celebrate teachers publicly while failing to address the economic pressures affecting their daily lives.
“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. Respect must be reflected in fair conditions, reliable support and policies that make life affordable,” he said.
The ADC presidential candidate also took a swipe at President Bola Tinubu, questioning his ability to understand the challenges confronting teachers.
“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,” Atiku said.
He argued that teachers play a critical role in shaping future generations and that any leader who fails to appreciate their contribution may struggle to understand the realities confronting the education sector.
Atiku further apologised to teachers and Nigerians on behalf of what he described as a leadership that had failed to make their welfare a priority.
“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.
The former vice president, who described himself as an educationist and founder of the American University of Nigeria, said his experience in the education sector had given him an appreciation of the demands placed on teachers.
He described teachers as builders of knowledge, confidence and opportunity, stressing that Nigeria could not secure a prosperous future while neglecting those responsible for educating its children.
Atiku pledged that an ADC government under his leadership would prioritise measures aimed at reducing the cost of living, supporting decent employment and improving the welfare of teachers and families.
“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 urged Nigerians to complement their appreciation of teachers with concrete measures that would improve their working conditions and standard of living.
