RismadarVoice Reporters
October 5, 2026
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called for concrete measures to improve the welfare of Nigerian teachers, saying annual commendations are not enough to address the economic pressures confronting them.
Atiku made the call in a World Teachers’ Day message issued on Monday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
He said teachers were struggling with rising costs of food, transportation, rent and electricity while their incomes were failing to keep pace with living expenses.
Atiku argued that government recognition of teachers should go beyond speeches and ceremonial messages to include better working conditions, improved welfare and policies capable of reducing their financial burden.
“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.
He added that respect for teachers should be reflected in fair working conditions, reliable support and policies that improve their standard of living.
Reflecting on his early education in Jada, Adamawa State, Atiku said he still remembered teachers who recognised his potential as a young orphan and helped shape his future.
According to him, their contribution went beyond teaching academic subjects, as they also provided encouragement and direction during his formative years.
The former vice president said reports of teachers struggling to afford transportation or relying on credit to provide food for their families illustrated the economic pressure facing many educators.
He maintained that Nigeria could not achieve sustainable development while neglecting those responsible for educating its children.
Atiku also criticised President Bola Tinubu, alleging that the President had been unable to publicly identify teachers or classmates from his school years.
He argued that the issue reflected what he described as a wider disconnect between the country’s leadership and the difficulties confronting educators.
Atiku further pledged that, if elected, his administration would pursue policies aimed at reducing the cost of living, supporting decent employment and improving the welfare of teachers and Nigerian families.
“My promise is clear: I will work to make life affordable again,” he said.
He thanked teachers across the country for their service and urged the government to match public recognition of the profession with practical measures capable of improving their living and working conditions.
World Teachers’ Day is observed annually on October 5 to recognise the contribution of teachers and draw attention to issues affecting the profession.
