Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the worsening economic difficulties confronting Nigerian teachers and their families.
Atiku said political leaders who fail to appreciate the experiences that shaped their own education may struggle to fully understand the challenges facing teachers across the country.
He made the remarks in a statement issued on Monday, October 5, by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
Reflecting on his childhood, Atiku recalled his early education in Jada and credited his primary school teachers with playing an important role in shaping his future, particularly after he lost his parents at a young age.
The former vice president used his experience to highlight what he described as a contrast with President Tinubu’s publicly debated academic history.
Atiku questioned how leaders could effectively address the problems confronting teachers without understanding or remembering the educators who contributed to their own development.
He said teachers should receive more than symbolic recognition, arguing that commemorative messages and celebrations cannot address the financial pressures confronting educators.
According to Atiku, teachers are currently dealing with the impact of rising inflation on food, transportation, housing and electricity costs, while their earnings have struggled to keep pace with the increasing cost of living.
He maintained that government policies should focus on improving the welfare and purchasing power of teachers rather than limiting support to public recognition.
Atiku, who founded the American University of Nigeria, also apologised to Nigerian teachers on behalf of the political class for what he described as years of systemic governance failures.
He promised that an ADC government under his leadership would pursue policies aimed at reducing the cost of basic necessities, expanding stable employment opportunities and ensuring that teachers receive better and more dignified compensation.
The former vice president’s comments come amid continuing public debate over the welfare of Nigerian teachers, salaries, inflation and the broader cost-of-living crisis affecting workers and households across the country.
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