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Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the challenges facing Nigerian teachers, arguing that leaders must understand the experiences of educators and the difficulties affecting their livelihoods.
Atiku made the remarks in a statement issued on Monday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, to mark the 2026 World Teachers’ Day.
Atiku recalls teachers who shaped his life
Atiku paid tribute to teachers across Nigeria, recalling the role educators played during his early years in Jada.
He said he could still remember the names and faces of teachers who taught him and 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 the difficulties confronting teachers were particularly concerning amid rising costs of food, transportation, rent and electricity.
“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.
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.”
Atiku criticises Tinubu
The ADC candidate subsequently took aim at Tinubu, questioning whether the President could fully appreciate teachers’ struggles if he could not identify any of his former teachers or classmates.
“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 described teachers as “the architects of every nation’s future” and argued that remembering those who contributed to one’s education was important in understanding the sacrifices educators make.
“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 added.
‘Praise cannot pay teachers’ bills’
Atiku said the government should go beyond annual messages celebrating teachers and introduce measures that improve their living and working conditions.
“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 also apologised to teachers and Nigerians on behalf of what he described as a leadership that had failed to prioritise their welfare.
“I apologise to Nigeria’s teachers and to all Nigerians on behalf of a leadership that has failed to make their welfare a priority. Teachers deserve more than praise, and Nigerians deserve a government that puts their lives and livelihoods first.”
Atiku promises policies to reduce hardship
Atiku, who is an educationist and founder of the American University of Nigeria, said his experience had given him an appreciation of the demands placed on teachers.
He described educators as builders of confidence, knowledge and opportunity, stressing that 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 called for their contributions to be matched with practical support and improved welfare.
PRESS STATEMENT
TEACHERS’ DAY: YOU CAN’T UNDERSTAND TEACHERS’ STRUGGLES IF YOU CAN’T NAME YOUR TEACHERS OR CLASSMATES — ATIKU BOMBS TINUBU
Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has paid tribute to teachers across…
— Phrank Shaibu (@phrankangel) October 5, 2026