Neglect of teachers’ welfare has gone on too long — Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating welfare of Nigerian teachers,

In a statement commemorating World Teachers’ Day, Obi said that Nigerian teachers have been neglected for far too long. He emphasized that teachers play a fundamental role in shaping the intellectual and moral fabric of the nation and should, therefore, be treated with the utmost respect and care.

In his message, Obi paid tribute to teachers worldwide, particularly those in Nigeria, whose resilience and dedication have sustained the education sector despite severe 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,” Obi stated.

Citing a concerning report, Obi revealed that 30 members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had recently resigned from Sa’adu Zungur University in Bauchi State due to poor remuneration and unfavourable working conditions. He also referenced the ultimatum issued by both ASUU and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) to the Federal Government, calling for immediate action to address the growing crisis in the education sector.

“This sad situation reflects a broader pattern of neglect for teachers’ welfare in Nigeria, a problem that has persisted for far too long,” Obi remarked, noting that the government’s failure to address teachers’ concerns threatens to destabilize the education system further.

Obi also pointed to the global shortage of teachers, stressing that Africa alone requires an additional 15 million teachers to meet its educational needs. “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,” he said, adding that over 18 million children are currently out of school.

He called on the government to urgently resolve the disputes with teachers and increase investment in teacher training and recruitment. “Training and recruiting more teachers has become a matter of severe urgency,” Obi said, highlighting the need for reforms to strengthen the educational system and improve the quality of teaching.

Peter Obi concluded by commending Nigerian teachers for their dedication and perseverance in the face of socio-economic challenges, encouraging them to continue their essential work for the betterment of the nation. “A New Nigeria remains possible,” he said, expressing hope that teachers would play a vital role in building a brighter future for the country.