African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to name his teachers and classmates, while calling for improved welfare for Nigerian teachers struggling with the rising cost of living.

First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, in a separate World Teachers’ Day message, also urged policymakers and society to protect the teaching profession, improve teachers’ welfare and elevate their status.

Atiku, in a statement issued by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, said Nigeria must match its appreciation of teachers with practical support that would enable them to provide for their families.

The former vice president said the financial pressures facing teachers underscored the need for policies that would make life more affordable.

“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, an educationist and founder of the American University of Nigeria, said he understood the dedication teaching demanded and remained grateful to those who shaped his early life.

“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.”

Turning to the president, Atiku alleged that Tinubu’s inability to name his teachers or classmates reflected a disconnect from the classroom and the challenges facing teachers.

“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. Teachers are the architects of every nation’s future.

“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. If he cannot honour the people who helped shape him, how can he understand the sacrifices teachers make today?”

Atiku criticised what he described as the government’s failure to prioritise teachers’ welfare, saying ceremonial praise must be backed by meaningful action throughout the year.

“I apologise to Nigeria’s teachers and to all Nigerians on behalf of a leadership that has failed to make their welfare a priority.”

He thanked teachers for their service and pledged policies aimed at improving their welfare and easing financial pressures on their households.

Mrs Tinubu paid tribute to teachers for their contributions to national development, describing their work as vital to preparing future generations.

“On this World Teachers’ Day 2026, commemorated under the theme, ‘Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing Its Status and Shaping Our Futures,’ we celebrate the contributions of teachers to national development,” she said.

“Our teachers shape minds, nurture dreams and prepare future generations to build a better world.”

The First Lady called for sustained efforts to strengthen the profession and improve the welfare and standing of teachers.

“I encourage policymakers and society at large to continue to protect the teaching profession, improve teachers’ welfare, and elevate their status,” she said.

Mrs. Tinubu wished teachers across the country a happy World Teachers’ Day. (The Sun)

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