The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has made a commitment to make teaching an attractive profession in Nigeria if elected president. This pledge was made in a statement released by the Adewole Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign on Monday, October 5, 2026, to commemorate World Teachers' Day. Adebayo commended Nigerian teachers for their dedication and resilience despite challenging working conditions.
Adebayo acknowledged the formation of the Nigerian Union of Teachers in July 1931, which brought together regional teachers' associations into a national body. He noted that the union was established not only as a trade union but also as a platform for national development, educational standardization, and defending teachers' dignity against colonial neglect. Adebayo expressed that the spirit of 1931 remains alive in today's classrooms.
Adebayo emphasized that Nigeria's achievements across various sectors are attributed to the contributions of teachers who have shaped generations of Nigerians. However, he lamented that teaching has been reduced to a calling of sacrifice without adequate reward. Adebayo stated that 21st-century educational progress cannot be achieved with 19th-century infrastructure and demoralized personnel.
Adebayo outlined a three-pronged revolution in the education sector, focusing on remuneration, infrastructure, and institutional respect. He pledged to restructure teachers' salary scales, allowances, and pensions to ensure they receive premium wages reflecting their importance to national security and development. This move aims to enhance the welfare and motivation of teachers across the country.
Adebayo promised to transform classrooms into technology-driven centers of innovation, with clean environments, digital tools, and well-equipped laboratories. He also vowed to restore the societal prestige, professional autonomy, and dignity of educators across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions. These reforms are intended to improve the overall quality of education in Nigeria.
The SDP presidential candidate expressed his appreciation for teachers, stating that they are valued and that help is on the way. Adebayo's pledge comes as a response to the challenges faced by teachers, including delayed entitlements, dilapidated classrooms, and inadequate teaching aids. His administration aims to address these issues and improve the teaching profession.
Adebayo's commitment to improving the education sector and the teaching profession has been welcomed by stakeholders. On World Teachers' Day, Adebayo extended his appreciation to primary school teachers, secondary school teachers, and university lecturers, acknowledging their crucial role in shaping Nigeria's future.
Key points
- SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo pledges to improve teachers' pay and infrastructure if elected president.
