The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has expressed concern over the welfare of Nigerian teachers, citing poor salaries, inadequate working conditions, and rising living costs as major challenges. According to the council, these issues are affecting teachers' ability to perform their duties effectively. The ADC-PCC Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, made these remarks in a message marking the 2026 World Teachers' Day. He emphasized the crucial role teachers play in shaping the country's future.
Ologbondiyan described teachers as the backbone of national development, noting that many have continued to work despite years of neglect and hardship. He praised teachers for their dedication, saying they have continued to mould lives, build character, and sustain the educational system despite facing significant challenges. The ADC-PCC highlighted issues such as irregular and inadequate salaries, poor welfare, limited opportunities for training, and deteriorating school infrastructure.
The ADC-PCC linked the difficulties faced by teachers to the removal of the petroleum subsidy, which has led to an increase in the cost of living. Ologbondiyan noted that teachers have not received adequate support to cope with these changes. He questioned how teachers could perform effectively when they struggle to meet basic needs such as transportation, healthcare, and accommodation. The council emphasized that these challenges affect teachers' ability to teach effectively.
The ADC Presidential Campaign Council alleged that the teaching profession has been devalued under the All Progressives Congress-led administration. The council cited poor remuneration for primary and secondary school teachers and repeated industrial actions by tertiary education workers over welfare and working conditions. Ologbondiyan stated that teachers have continued to perform their duties despite these challenges and deserve improved working conditions and professional support.
Ologbondiyan highlighted specific challenges faced by teachers, including high transport costs, inadequate salaries, limited access to medical insurance, and the high cost of decent accommodation. These pressures, he argued, are placing additional strain on teachers. The ADC-PCC emphasized that the situation requires urgent attention to ensure that teachers can perform their duties effectively.
The ADC Presidential Campaign Council proposed measures to address the challenges faced by teachers. An ADC administration led by its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, would prioritize education and teachers' welfare if elected in 2027. The proposed measures include better wages and allowances, health insurance, affordable housing, professional development, and improved teaching and learning facilities.
The ADC-PCC reiterated its commitment to supporting teachers and improving the education sector. Ologbondiyan emphasized that teachers are true heroes who have continued to contribute to the country's development despite facing significant challenges. The council's proposals aim to address the systemic issues affecting teachers' welfare and working conditions, ensuring that they can perform their duties effectively.
Key points
- ADC accuses APC of neglecting teachers' welfare
- Teachers face poor salaries, rising living costs, and inadequate working conditions
- ADC proposes measures to improve teachers' welfare and education sector
