Former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has paid tribute to teachers across Nigeria on the occasion of World Teachers' Day, acknowledging the significant role they played in his education. He expressed appreciation for Nigerian teachers and recalled the names and faces of his early teachers in Jada who helped shape his future. Atiku's remarks were made through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
Atiku highlighted the challenges faced by teachers due to the high cost of living, including food, transport, rent, and electricity. He expressed concern about teachers being forced to walk miles because transport fares consume a significant portion of their salary or borrowing food on credit to feed their families before going to teach. Atiku emphasized that no nation can rise above the level of its teachers and called for government support.
The former Vice President urged the government to match its praise for teachers with policies that improve their welfare and make life more affordable. He stressed that a commemorative message cannot pay teachers' bills and that respect must be reflected in fair conditions, reliable support, and policies that make life affordable. Atiku, an educationist and founder of the American University of Nigeria, described teachers as builders of confidence, knowledge, and opportunity.
Atiku emphasized that Nigeria cannot secure its future while neglecting those who educate its children. He made a promise to work towards making life affordable again, ensuring that teachers and families do not have to watch their incomes disappear on basic necessities like food, transport, rent, and electricity. This, he believes, will have a positive impact on the education sector.
The former Vice President thanked teachers across Nigeria for their service and urged the country to support them with meaningful policies. He acknowledged the critical role teachers play in shaping the nation's future and emphasized the need for government support. Atiku's call for policy changes to ease the cost of living for teachers resonated with many stakeholders in the education sector.
As an educationist, Atiku understands the importance of providing a conducive environment for teachers to work effectively. He noted that teachers' welfare is crucial to the overall development of the education sector. By advocating for policies that address the cost of living challenges faced by teachers, Atiku aims to improve the quality of education in Nigeria.
Atiku's message on World Teachers' Day serves as a reminder to the government and stakeholders of the need to prioritize teachers' welfare. His call for action is expected to spark a national conversation about the challenges faced by teachers and the need for policy changes to support them. The government is yet to respond to Atiku's remarks, but his message is likely to resonate with many Nigerians.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar calls for policies to ease cost of living challenges faced by teachers in Nigeria.
- The former Vice President emphasizes the importance of supporting teachers to improve the quality of education in Nigeria.
- Atiku promises to work towards making life affordable again for teachers and families.
