Peter Obi Urges Govt to Prioritize Teachers’ Welfare on World Teachers Day

Peter Obi, on Saturday, issued a heartfelt statement commemorating World Teachers Day, highlighting the vital role teachers play in shaping Nigeria’s future. “Today, I join the global community in celebrating members of a very unique profession that forms the basis of human development,” Obi said, emphasizing the need for prioritizing teachers’ welfare.

He cited recent alarming reports of resignations and ultimatums from academic staff unions due to poor pay and handling of member affairs. “Recently, I read a very concerning report that not less 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 the affairs of members,” Obi noted.

Obi stressed that teachers’ dedication and resilience have kept Nigeria’s education sector afloat despite numerous challenges. “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 prioritized by the government,” he emphasized.

The statistics are staggering: the world faces a shortage of 45 million teachers, with Africa needing 15 million to bolster its education sector. Nigeria alone requires 194,876 more teachers in public primary schools to address the pressing issue of 18 million out-of-school children.

Obi urged the government to take immediate action, stating, “Government must, therefore, ensure it speedily resolves any lingering issues it has with the teachers and invest more in the welfare, training, and development of Nigerian teachers to enable them continue to deliver the best standard of education to our children.”

He concluded by commending Nigerian teachers for their tireless dedication. “I sincerely commend all the Nigerian teachers for their tireless dedication to the growth of education, not minding the various socio-economic challenges burdening every Nigerian, while urging them to keep the fire burning. A New Nigeria remains possible. Happy World Teachers Day to all Nigerian Teachers.”