Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the living conditions of teachers in Nigeria, promising improved welfare and policies aimed at easing economic hardship if elected.
In a message marking World Teachers’ Day on Monday, Atiku praised Nigerian teachers for their dedication to nation-building despite the economic challenges confronting the profession.
Speaking through his Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice President questioned the current administration’s understanding of the realities facing teachers, arguing that government appreciation for educators must go beyond symbolic celebrations.
Atiku recalled his early years in Jada, Adamawa State, saying teachers played a vital role in shaping his future as 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,” he said.
He stressed that teachers remain central to national development, describing them as the architects of every nation’s future.
According to him, many teachers continue to struggle with rising living costs, inadequate salaries and difficult working conditions, with some reportedly unable to meet basic family needs despite their critical role in society.
Atiku argued that governments should not limit support for teachers to annual commemorations, insisting that meaningful policies are needed to improve their welfare and restore dignity to the profession.
“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 stated.
The ADC candidate, who founded the American University of Nigeria, said his involvement in the education sector had further strengthened his belief in the importance of teachers to national progress.
He promised that an administration under his leadership would prioritise measures to reduce the cost of living, create decent employment opportunities 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,” Atiku said.
He also urged Nigerians to match tributes to teachers with practical actions that improve their living and working conditions, maintaining that sustainable national development cannot be achieved while educators remain neglected.
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