Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has paid tribute to Nigerian teachers following World Teachers’ Day, while drawing attention to a severe shortage of educators that he warns could spell disaster for the country’s education system.
In a statement on X Tuesday marking the occasion, Obi acknowledged the crucial role teachers play in national development, emphasizing that their efforts form the foundation of educational progress in Nigeria.
“Following the recent commemoration of World Teachers Day, I wish to sincerely celebrate all the teachers in our dear nation, Nigeria, whose sacrifices and dedication continue to shape the future of our country,” Obi said. “It is a day to appreciate every teacher across the country who continues to give their best to the growth and development of education in the nation.”
He stressed the importance of supporting educators through comprehensive investment. “The tireless efforts and sincere commitment of our teachers are the bedrock upon which our educational development stands,” Obi stated. “Investing in education by also investing in our teachers through training, empowerment, welfare, and a conducive work environment is critical to national development.”
However, Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), expressed concern about what he described as the neglect of the teaching profession and cited alarming statistics about the teacher shortage crisis facing the nation.
“The teaching profession in Nigeria, unfortunately, has not received the due attention it deserves, as a critical contributor to national development,” he noted. “The severe shortage of teachers across the country signals a looming disaster in our education sector.”
Drawing on recent data, Obi highlighted the scale of the problem: “A recent report from the Universal Basic Education Commission states that only about 915,000 teachers currently serve 31.8 million pupils across the country, resulting in a teacher–pupil ratio of 1:35, well above the UNESCO benchmark of 1:25. Solving such a manpower crisis in the education sector should be prioritised by a government that truly cares for the development of the nation.”
Beyond numbers, Obi emphasized the need for quality training and modern resources. “Beyond the number of qualified teachers, investing in their training contributes immensely to the growth of education in the country,” he said. “Our teachers deserve to be equipped with modern methodologies, advanced tools and equipment required to deliver world-class education to our children. These are all part of the investment in education, which, as I have maintained, is the best investment any nation can make for its citizens.”
The former governor offered words of encouragement to teachers across the country: “May I therefore, salute the courage, resilience and commitment of all the teachers in Nigeria who give their best to the nation – we see your sacrifices and we appreciate them. Your dedication to duty remains critical in building the New Nigeria we all deserve where your welfare is prioritised and your visible contribution to the nation is appreciated.”
Obi reaffirmed his commitment to educational transformation, referencing his track record in Anambra State. “My commitment to the growth and development of education across the nation remains firm. And my promise to revolutionise education in our nation remains sure,” he declared. “We achieved it in Anambra state, and we will achieve it in the New Nigeria, and our dear teachers will be at the vanguard of our educational revolution in Nigeria.”
He concluded with a message of appreciation: “Happy World Teachers’ Day to all our great educators, you are the true heroes of our nation’s progress, and with you, A New Nigeria is POssible.”
