Atiku Blasts Tinubu: Empathy for Teachers Requires Recalling Your Own

Atiku Abubakar, who previously served as Vice President and was the presidential flagbearer for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has taken President Bola Tinubu to task regarding the economic hardships faced by Nigerian teachers and their families. He contended that political leaders unable to recall their own academic past are poorly positioned to comprehend the challenges confronting educators.

Phrank Shaibu, the Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, released a statement on Monday, October 5, conveying Atiku's reflections. Atiku recounted his formative years in Jada, acknowledging his primary school teachers for their pivotal role in shaping his life after the early demise of his parents. He then drew a stark contrast between his own educational journey and the public debates surrounding President Tinubu's academic credentials.

Atiku directly quoted, stating, “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.”

He further emphasized the importance of teachers, asserting, “Teachers are the architects of every nation’s future, and their welfare must go beyond ceremonial praise on Teachers’ Day. Government cannot praise teachers on this day and leave them to face hardship for the rest of the year. A commemorative message cannot pay a teacher’s bills.”

Drawing attention to the harsh realities confronting the teaching profession, Atiku pointed out that educators are grappling with rampant inflation, which has driven up the cost of essential commodities like food, transportation, housing, and utility charges. This situation is compounded by their stagnant salaries, which have not kept pace with the escalating cost of living.

The former Vice President, who is also the founder of the American University of Nigeria, extended an apology to Nigerian teachers. He expressed regret on behalf of the political class for the systemic governance failures that have contributed to their predicament.

Atiku then made a commitment, promising that an ADC government, if elected, would introduce structured policy reforms. These reforms would aim to reduce fundamental living costs, foster stable job creation, and ensure fair and respectable remuneration for all teachers nationwide.