Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has demanded that better working conditions be provided for teachers in the country, News About Nigeria reports.
He made this call in a statement via his verified handle on X on Saturday, while celebrating the 2024 World Teachers’ Day.
He noted that the teaching profession is one that forms the basis of human development, adding that teachers at all levels play very critical roles in society by contributing immeasurably to the intellectual and moral formation of children.
Obi maintained that the welfare of the Nigerian teachers must be prioritised by the government, including the provision of better working conditions and advancement opportunities for the teachers.
The statement reads in part, “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 prioritised 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.
“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 to 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.”
