Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the economic difficulties confronting teachers and Nigerian families.
Atiku, in a statement issued on Monday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, said leaders who could not recall the names of their teachers or classmates would find it difficult to appreciate the challenges facing educators.
He recalled his early teachers in Jada, saying they played a significant role in shaping his life after he lost his parents at a young age.
According to him, teachers are struggling with the rising costs of food, transportation, housing and electricity, while their earnings have failed to match the increasing cost of living.
“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 described teachers as “architects of every nation’s future,” arguing that their welfare should not be limited to praise and recognition during Teachers’ Day celebrations.
Atiku said the government must back its appreciation of teachers with policies that would improve their living conditions.
“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.
The former vice-president also apologised to Nigerian teachers and citizens on behalf of what he described as a leadership that had failed to make their welfare a priority.
He promised that his administration, if elected, would implement policies focused on reducing the cost of living, creating decent employment opportunities and improving the welfare of teachers and families.
Atiku, who founded the American University of Nigeria, said his experience in the education sector had exposed him to the commitment and sacrifices required of teachers.
He commended teachers across the country for their service and called for concrete government measures to ensure they enjoy decent and dignified living conditions.
