Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023 and a former governor of Anambra State, has decried the terrible working circumstances faced by Nigerian teachers and urged the government to put their wellbeing first.

On Saturday, in honour of World Teachers’ Day, Obi posted a message on his official X handle, @PeterObi, expressing his disgust.

He acknowledged the important role that educators play in what he called a “unique profession that forms the basis of human development,” but he bemoaned the dire circumstances that educators in the nation face, saying that they are the product of “obvious failures” that “reflect the general lack of attention to the welfare of teachers in our nation.”

I join the world community in honouring those who work in a special profession that is essential to human growth on this World Teachers’ Day.

“This day is dedicated to honouring all educators, particularly those in Nigeria, whose unwavering commitment and fortitude have kept the flames of our educational system blazing despite all obstacles.”

Due to their enormous contributions to our children’s moral and intellectual development, educators at all levels perform vital roles in society.

“The government must, therefore, prioritise their welfare. “On this note, I add my voice to the demand that all Nigerian teachers be given better working conditions, a better quality of life, and opportunities for advancement,” he stated.

Obi bemoaned the bad working circumstances faced by the nation’s educators, especially university lecturers who have recently voiced complaints about unforgiving work environments.

A very alarming news that I just came across stated that thirty members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had resigned from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) in Bauchi State as a result of inadequate compensation and bad administration of their business.

It was announced a few days ago, on October 1st, that ASUU had given the federal government a 35-day ultimatum to resolve the ongoing issues endangering the university system.

According to a different story from yesterday, the Federal Government has been given 15 days by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) to comply with its requests, which include providing better care and attention to the requirements of its members.

“Sadly, all these blatant shortcomings reflect the general lack of attention to the welfare of teachers in our country,” Obi continued.

“For far too long, there has been a disregard for the wellbeing of our teachers that cannot be addressed. The government needs to put more money into training new teachers in addition to providing care for current instructors.

The former governor of Anambra State stated that Africa alone requires roughly 15 million teachers to improve its education sector, citing reports of a 45 million teacher shortfall worldwide.

“In public elementary schools throughout Nigeria, there is reportedly a teacher shortfall of 194,876 at the fundamental education level—which I have maintained is the most crucial.

“Recruiting and training more teachers has become a matter of severe urgency, with over 18 million out-of-school children roaming the streets,” stated Obi.

He called on the government to “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 and to quickly resolve any lingering issues it has with teachers.”

Obi encouraged teachers to “keep the fire burning” and praised “all Nigerian teachers for their tireless dedication to the growth of education, despite the various socio-economic challenges burdening every Nigerian.”

“A New Nigeria is yet conceivable. “To all Nigerian teachers, a happy World Teachers’ Day!” wrote Obi.