Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has paid tribute to teachers across Nigeria on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day.
Reacting on Monday through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said he appreciated Nigerian teachers and acknowledged the role they played in his education.
He said he still remembered the names and faces of his early teachers in Jada who taught him and helped shape his future.
Atiku said teachers continue to face challenges arising from the high cost of living, including food, transport, rent and electricity.
‘When I hear of a teacher forced to walk miles because transport fares consume so much of their salary, or borrowing food on credit to feed their family before going to teach our children, my heart breaks. No nation can rise above the level of its teachers,’ he said.
He said the government should match its praise for teachers with policies that improve their welfare and make life more affordable.
‘Government cannot praise teachers on this day and leave them to face hardship for the rest of year. A commemorative message cannot pay teacher’s bills. Respect must be reflected in fair conditions, reliable support and policies that make life affordable,’ he said.
Atiku, who is an educationist and founder of American University of Nigeria, described teachers as builders of confidence, knowledge and opportunity.
He said Nigeria cannot secure its future while neglecting those who educate its children.
‘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,’ he said.
He thanked teachers across Nigeria for their service and urged the country to support them with meaningful policies.