The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged the government to prioritise the welfare of teachers as part of the celebrations marking World Teachers’ Day.
In a statement shared on his X page, Obi emphasised the pivotal role teachers play in shaping society by contributing significantly to the intellectual and moral development of children.
The former Governor of Anambra State further called for enhanced living conditions, improved working environments, and expanded professional growth opportunities for teachers across Nigeria.
The statement partly read: “On this World Teachers Day, I join the global community in celebrating members of a very unique profession that forms the basis of human development. It is a day to celebrate all teachers, especially teachers in Nigeria, whose dedication and resilience have kept the fires of our education sector burning, even against all odds.
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“Recently, I read a very concerning report that not less than 30 members of the Academic Staff Union of the Universities, ASUU, have resigned from Sa’adu Zungur University, SAZU in Bauchi State due to poor pay and poor handling of the affairs of members.”
He expressed concern that the Academic Staff Union of Universities had issued a 35-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address the lingering crises threatening the University System.
“Yesterday, another report stated that the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address its demands, which includes better care and attention to the needs of the members. Sadly, all these obvious failures reflect the general lack of attention to the welfare of teachers in our nation in general.”
Mr Obi stressed that the government’s prolonged neglect of teachers’ welfare has persisted for far too long, demanding immediate resolution.
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He further noted that beyond addressing teachers’ well-being, the government must prioritise substantial investment in the recruitment and training of more educators.
“It is reported that the world is in dire shortage of teachers to the tune of 45 million. Africa alone needs about 15 million teachers to boost its education sector. At the basic education level, which I have maintained is the most critical, there is a reported shortage of 194,876 teachers in public primary schools across Nigeria. With over 18 million out-of-school children roaming the streets, training and recruiting more teachers has become a matter of severe urgency.
“Government must, therefore, ensure it speedily resolves any lingering issues it has with the teachers and invest more in the welfare, training, and development of Nigerian teachers to enable them to continue to deliver the best standard of education to our children. I sincerely commend all the Nigerian teachers for their tireless dedication to the growth of education, not minding the various socio-economic challenges burdening every Nigerian, while urging them to keep the fire burning. A New Nigeria remains POssible. Happy World Teachers Day to all Nigerian Teachers.”
