Atiku hails teachers, promises better welfare

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has praised Nigerian teachers for their dedication, while criticizing President Bola Tinubu's handling of the worsening economic situation impacting teaching professionals. In a Teachers' Day message, Atiku questioned Tinubu's ability to understand teachers' struggles, stating that he cannot name a single teacher who taught him or a classmate who sat beside him.

Atiku emphasized the importance of teachers in shaping his life, recalling the teachers from his early years in Jada who recognized his potential despite being an orphan.

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress criticized the inability of some leaders to empathize with teachers' experiences, resulting in policies that have failed to adequately address their welfare. Atiku argued that teachers are essential to national development, stressing that their contribution extends beyond classroom instruction.

He highlighted the hardships faced by teachers, such as walking long distances due to high transport fares and borrowing money to feed their families before going to work.

Atiku criticized governments that celebrate teachers on October 5 but fail to provide the necessary conditions for them to live and work with dignity. He urged for policies that reduce the cost of living, support decent employment, and improve the welfare of teachers and other working Nigerians. If elected, Atiku promised to work towards making life affordable again, emphasizing that teachers and families should not have to struggle with high expenses on food, transportation, rent, and electricity.

Teachers' Day, observed on October 5, offers an opportunity to recognize teachers' contributions to education and national development while also addressing the challenges they face, including remuneration and working conditions. Atiku implored Nigerians to match tributes to teachers with concrete actions, stressing that respect for the profession must be reflected in policies that improve their living and working conditions.