Former Anambra State Governor and the Labour Party’s Presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, has criticised the poor working conditions of teachers in Nigeria, calling on the government to prioritise their welfare.
Obi expressed his displeasure in a post via his official X handle, PeterObi, on Saturday, in commemoration of World Teachers’ Day.
While highlighting the significant role of teachers in what he described as a “unique profession that forms the basis of human development,” he lamented that the poor conditions faced by teachers in the country are the result of “obvious failures,” reflecting “the general lack of attention to the welfare of teachers in our nation.”
“On this World Teachers’ Day, I join the global community in celebrating members of a unique profession that forms the basis of human development.
“It is a day to celebrate all teachers, especially those in Nigeria, whose dedication and resilience have kept the fires of our education sector burning, even against all odds.
“Teachers, at all levels, play very critical roles in society by contributing immeasurably to the intellectual and moral formation of our children.
“Their welfare must, therefore, be prioritised by the government. On this note, I add my voice in demanding a better life, improved working conditions, and advancement opportunities for all teachers in Nigeria,” he said.
Obi lamented the poor conditions of service for teachers in the country, particularly university lecturers, who have recently expressed grievances over harsh working conditions.
“Recently, I read a very concerning report that no fewer than 30 members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have resigned from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) in Bauchi State due to poor pay and poor handling of their affairs.
“A few days ago, on October 1st, it was reported that ASUU had issued a 35-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address the lingering crises threatening the university system.
“Yesterday, another report stated that the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address its demands, which include better care and attention to the needs of its members,” he said.
Obi added, “Sadly, all these obvious failures reflect the general lack of attention to the welfare of teachers in our nation.
“The lack of attention to the welfare of our teachers has remained unresolved for far too long. Aside from caring for teachers, the government must invest more in the training of new educators.”
Citing reports of a global shortage of teachers amounting to 45 million, the former Anambra State Governor noted that Africa alone needs about 15 million teachers to boost its education sector.
“At the basic education level, which I have maintained is the most critical, there is a reported shortage of 194,876 teachers in public primary schools across Nigeria.
“With over 18 million out-of-school children roaming the streets, training and recruiting more teachers has become a matter of severe urgency,” Obi said.
He urged the government to “speedily resolve any lingering issues it has with teachers and invest more in the welfare, training, and development of Nigerian teachers to enable them to continue delivering the best standard of education to our children.”
Obi commended “all Nigerian teachers for their tireless dedication to the growth of education, despite the various socio-economic challenges burdening every Nigerian,” while encouraging them to “keep the fire burning.”
“A New Nigeria remains possible. Happy World Teachers’ Day to all Nigerian teachers,” Obi wrote.