The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has decried the state of teachers due to poor welfare, resulting in a 194,876 shortage across Nigeria’s public primary schools.
Peter Obi said teachers play very critical roles in society by contributing immeasurably to the intellectual and moral formation of children.
Obi said this on Saturday in his congratulatory message to teachers in marking the 2024 World Teachers Day.
“On this World Teachers Day, I join the global community in celebrating members of a very unique profession that forms the basis of human development.
“It is a day to celebrate all teachers, especially teachers 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 prioritized by the government. On this note, I add my voice in demanding a better life, working conditions and advancement opportunities for all teachers in Nigeria,” he said.
Obi stated that the neglect of the education sector by leaders was responsible for the resignation of educators from the sector and strike notices issued by different high institution bodies.
“Recently, I read a very concerning report that not less than 30 members of the Academic Staff Union of the 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.
“A few days ago, precisely on October 1, it was reported that the Academic Staff Union of Universities 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 includes better care and attention to the needs of the members.
“Sadly, all these obvious failures reflect the general lack of attention to the welfare of teachers in our nation in general .
“The lack of attention to the welfare of our teachers has remained unresolved for far too long,” the Labour Party national leader stated.
The former governor of Anambra State added, “Aside from caring for the teachers, the government must invest more in the training of more teachers. It is reported that the world is in dire shortage of teachers to the tune of 45 million.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
