Atiku hails teachers, promises better welfare

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar praised Nigerian teachers on Teachers' Day, expressing disappointment in President Bola Tinubu's lack of understanding of the teachers' challenges. Atiku criticized Tinubu for not being able to name any teacher who had taught him or a classmate. He fondly recalled his own early teachers in Jada who recognized his potential despite being an orphan.

Atiku emphasized that teachers play a crucial role in national development and that their contribution goes beyond teaching. He criticized leaders who fail to relate to the experiences of teachers and highlighted the harsh realities faced by teachers, such as having to walk long distances due to high transport costs. He also criticized government policies that do not adequately address teachers' welfare.

Atiku emphasized that the government cannot praise teachers on one day and neglect them for the rest of the year. He promised, if elected, to prioritize policies aimed at reducing the cost of living, supporting decent employment, and improving teachers' welfare. He apologized to teachers and citizens for a leadership that has failed to prioritize their welfare and urged Nigerians to match tributes to teachers with concrete action.