Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has praised Nigerian teachers for their contribution to national development while criticising the Tinubu administration over the rising cost of living and its impact on their welfare.

In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, on Monday, Atiku said he remained grateful to the teachers who shaped his early education.
Atiku said he could still remember the names and faces of his teachers in Jada, who, according to him, recognised his potential when he was a young orphan.

“Of course, I appreciate Nigerian teachers. I am a product of their work and the education I received in their classrooms. I still remember the names and faces of my early teachers in Jada, who saw potential in a young orphan when few others did.
“They taught me arithmetic and grammar, but they also gave me a future,” he said.

Atiku said the economic hardship facing teachers had made it increasingly difficult for them to provide for their families while carrying out their responsibilities.He said reports of teachers walking long distances because of transport costs or buying food on credit illustrated the pressure facing the profession.

“No nation can rise above the level of its teachers. I will honour them not only with words, but with policies that improve their welfare and make life more affordable,” he said.

The former vice president also criticised President Bola Tinubu, alleging that the President could not name a teacher or classmate from his early education.

“It is both revealing and deeply embarrassing that Bola Tinubu cannot name a single teacher who stood before him or a classmate who sat beside him,” Atiku said.

He argued that leaders needed to understand the experiences of teachers and the challenges confronting the education system.

“Teachers are the architects of every nation’s future. A leader who cannot remember those who laid the foundation of his own education has shown just how far removed he is from the classroom and from the daily struggles of those who keep it alive,” he said.

Atiku said teachers were expected to continue delivering their responsibilities despite rising food, transport, rent and electricity costs.

“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. Respect must be reflected in fair conditions, reliable support and policies that make life affordable,” he said.

He apologised to teachers and Nigerians on behalf of what he described as a leadership that had failed to prioritise their welfare.
“Teachers deserve more than praise, and Nigerians deserve a government that puts their lives and livelihoods first,” he said.

Atiku, who is an educationist and founder of the American University of Nigeria, said his experience in the education sector had given him an understanding of the dedication required of teachers.

He described teachers as builders of confidence, knowledge and opportunity, and said Nigeria could not secure its future while neglecting those responsible for educating 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.

“We will pursue policies that bring down the cost of living, support decent jobs and ensure that hard work can provide a dignified life,” he said.

Atiku thanked teachers across the country for their service and urged the government to match its recognition of the profession with practical measures to improve their welfare.