Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the worsening cost of living in Nigeria, saying teachers are among those bearing the brunt of the economic hardship.
Atiku, in a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, commended Nigerian teachers for their dedication and sacrifices despite the difficult conditions under which they work.
The former vice president recalled his childhood in Jada, Adamawa State, and credited his teachers with playing a significant role in shaping his life and educational journey.
He said, “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.”
However, Atiku said he was deeply concerned by reports of teachers struggling to meet basic needs as the prices of food, transportation, rent and electricity continue to rise.
He particularly lamented situations where teachers are forced to walk long distances to work because transport fares have become too expensive relative to their salaries.
“When I hear of a teacher forced to walk miles because transport fares consume so much of their salary, or borrowing food on credit to feed their family before going to teach our children, my heart breaks,” he said.
According to him, no country can make meaningful progress without improving the welfare and working conditions of its teachers.
Atiku also took a swipe at President Bola Tinubu, questioning his ability to identify teachers who influenced 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 teachers play a fundamental role in shaping future generations and that political leaders should demonstrate this understanding through policies rather than ceremonial messages.
Atiku maintained that teachers cannot continue to be praised publicly while being left to cope with economic hardship throughout the year.
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He said government policies must provide tangible improvements in their living and working conditions, insisting that commemorative messages alone cannot address the financial challenges confronting teachers.
“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.
The ADC presidential candidate further apologised to Nigerian teachers and citizens over what he described as the failure of the current leadership to make their welfare a priority.
He said teachers deserved more than public recognition, while Nigerians deserved a government focused on improving their livelihoods.
“Teachers deserve more than praise, and Nigerians deserve a government that puts their lives and livelihoods first,” Atiku added.