Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has apologised to Nigerian teachers over what he described as the failure of the Bola Tinubu administration to prioritise their welfare.
Atiku made the remarks on Monday in his message to mark the 2026 World Teachers’ Day, stressing that teachers could not be honoured with speeches while continuing to struggle with the rising cost of food, transportation, rent and electricity.
The ADC candidate, who recalled the influence of his early teachers in Jada, Adamawa State, said the profession had played a central role in shaping his life and that of millions of Nigerians.
He said teachers deserved policies that would translate government appreciation into improved 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.”
Atiku, who is also the founder of the American University of Nigeria, said his experience in education had exposed him to the dedication required of teachers and the sacrifices they make in educating the next generation.
He lamented that many teachers were being forced to cope with financial pressures that affected their ability to provide for their families and perform their duties effectively.
According to him, the increasing cost of living had made it difficult for teachers to survive on their earnings, with some struggling to meet basic transportation and food expenses.
“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.”
The former Vice President also took aim at President Bola Tinubu, questioning the President’s ability to appreciate the personal sacrifices made by teachers.
Atiku said leaders who failed to recognise the people who contributed to their own education risked becoming disconnected from the realities confronting teachers and the education system.
“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.”
He argued that teachers should not be treated as beneficiaries of annual celebrations but as critical stakeholders whose welfare directly affects the quality of education and the country’s future.
Atiku further pledged that his proposed administration would pursue measures aimed at reducing the burden of living costs and improving the welfare of teachers and other working families.
“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.”
He said his message was also an apology to teachers and Nigerians over what he described as the failure of the current leadership to sufficiently address their economic difficulties.
“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 urged Nigerians to move beyond ceremonial recognition of teachers and demand policies that provide them with decent conditions of service, better purchasing power and an environment in which they can effectively educate the next generation.
He also commended teachers across the country for their continued service and contribution to national development.
