By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial District in the 2027 election, Senator Uche Lilian Ekwunife, on Monday pledged to champion stronger legislative and policy measures to improve the welfare, professional development and working conditions of Nigerian teachers if she returns to the red chambers of the National Assembly.

She made the pledge in a goodwill message to Nigerian teachers on the occasion of 2026 World Teachers’ Day 2026.

Ekwunife described teachers as indispensable builders of the nation whose contributions underpin virtually every profession and sector of society.

According to her, the annual celebration should go beyond commendation and serve as a reminder of the urgent need for sustained investment in the teaching profession.

The former lawmaker said, “This year’s World Teachers’ Day is being celebrated under the theme, “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures.

“The theme provides an opportunity to celebrate teachers while also reflecting on the challenges confronting the profession and the need to strengthen their welfare, dignity and professional capacity.

“Teachers perform responsibilities far beyond classroom instruction. They nurture talents, build character, identify potential and prepare young Nigerians for responsible citizenship and leadership.

“Our teachers therefore deserve more than applause; they deserve deliberate and sustained policy support.”

While assuring teachers that, if elected to represent Anambra Central in the Senate in 2027, she would advocate legislative and policy measures aimed at strengthening the teaching profession and improving the quality of education across Nigeria, Ekwunife identified improved welfare and working conditions, continuous professional development and retraining as areas that require legislative attention.

She also listed investment in educational infrastructure, improved teacher recruitment and retention, stronger recognition and reward systems for outstanding teachers.

The ex-banker also pledged to advocate greater support for teacher education and research, as well as increased participation of teachers and education professionals in the formulation of policies affecting the education sector.

Ekwunife particularly called for greater attention to teachers serving in underserved communities, where shortages of qualified teachers and inadequate learning facilities continue to hamper the delivery of quality education.

She added: “Nigeria cannot build a strong education system without a motivated, properly trained and adequately supported teaching workforce.

“Governments at all levels, educational institutions, parents, communities and the private sector should move beyond annual celebrations and make teachers’ welfare and professional advancement a continuous national priority.”

Ekwunife who commended Nigerian teachers for their resilience and dedication, particularly those who continue to serve despite difficult working conditions, further hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and supporting the financing of the programme through recovered proceeds of crime, describing the initiative as a significant intervention in expanding access to tertiary education.

According to her, the programme was creating opportunities for Nigerian students who might otherwise struggle to finance higher education to acquire knowledge and skills and contribute meaningfully to national development.

She added: “Such investments also give greater meaning to the work of teachers, whose knowledge, guidance and dedication continue to shape the students benefiting from educational opportunities.

“When we strengthen the teacher, we strengthen the classroom; when we strengthen the classroom, we strengthen the child; and when we strengthen the child, we strengthen the nation.

“To every Nigerian teacher: thank you for your service, your sacrifice and your unwavering belief in the Nigerian child,”