You won’t understand teachers’ struggles if you can’t name yours, classmates — Atiku tells Tinubu

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has praised Nigerian teachers for their contribution to national development while taking a swipe at President Bola Tinubu over what he described as the worsening hardship confronting educators.

Atiku made the remarks in a statement issued on Monday, October 5, 2026, to mark World Teachers’ Day. He said teachers deserved more than ceremonial praise, arguing that their welfare must be reflected in government policies. 

Recalling his childhood in Jada, Atiku said he remained grateful to the teachers who played a major role in shaping his life.

“I still remember the names and faces of my early teachers in Jada, who saw potential in a young orphan when few others did. They taught me arithmetic and grammar, but they also gave me a future.”

He expressed concern about teachers struggling with rising costs of food, transportation, rent and electricity. According to him, some teachers are being forced to walk long distances to work because transport fares consume a significant portion of their salaries, while others reportedly resort to buying food on credit.

Atiku then directed his criticism at Tinubu, questioning the President’s ability to relate to the experiences of teachers.

“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,” Atiku said. 

He argued that teachers are fundamental to nation-building and that leaders who fail to appreciate their own educational foundations may struggle to understand the sacrifices made by educators.

“Teachers are the architects of every nation’s future,” Atiku said.

The former vice president also criticised the government for celebrating teachers on October 5 while, in his view, failing to adequately address their economic difficulties throughout the year.

“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,” he said. 

Atiku, who is also the founder of the American University of Nigeria, said his experience in education had given him an appreciation of the demands placed on teachers.

He promised that an administration under his leadership would pursue policies aimed at reducing the cost of living, supporting decent employment and improving the welfare of teachers and families.

“My promise is clear: I will work to make life affordable again,” Atiku said, adding that teachers should not have to watch their incomes disappear on food, transport, rent and electricity. 

His comments come as the 2027 presidential race begins to intensify, turning issues surrounding the economy, education and workers’ welfare into increasingly prominent political talking points.