On World Teachers’ Day, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle to honor teachers globally, with a special emphasis on Nigerian educators.
Obi highlighted the indispensable role teachers play in human development, noting that their dedication has kept Nigeria’s education sector afloat despite numerous challenges.
In his statement, Obi commended teachers for their resilience and underscored the critical role they play in shaping the intellectual and moral development of society’s children. He stressed the importance of prioritizing teachers’ welfare, calling on the government to improve their working conditions and create better opportunities for career advancement.
Obi expressed concern over recent reports regarding the resignation of 30 members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) from Sa’adu Zungur University in Bauchi State due to inadequate pay and poor management. He also pointed out that ASUU has issued a 35-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to resolve ongoing issues, and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has followed suit with a 15-day ultimatum.
Obi lamented the government’s persistent neglect of teachers’ welfare, which he said has plagued the nation for far too long. He further stressed the need for government investment in teacher training and recruitment, noting that the world is facing a global shortage of 45 million teachers, with Africa requiring 15 million to bolster its education system.
In Nigeria, particularly at the basic education level, Obi highlighted a deficit of nearly 195,000 teachers in public primary schools, linking this to the alarming statistic of over 18 million out-of-school children in the country. He urged the government to address these crises urgently by resolving ongoing disputes with educators and increasing investments in teacher development.
Obi concluded by commending Nigerian teachers for their unwavering commitment to education despite the socioeconomic challenges they face, urging them to keep striving for a brighter future. He reaffirmed his vision for a “New Nigeria,” where teachers are well-supported and the education system thrives.
“Happy World Teachers’ Day to all Nigerian teachers,” Obi wrote, emphasizing that a better Nigeria remains possible.
