Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his inability to identify former teachers and classmates, as Nigeria marked this year’s World Teachers’ Day.
The Former Vice President also decried the rising cost of living, saying teachers across the country were struggling to provide for their families despite continuing to perform their duties.
He spoke in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu.
Atiku said: “Of course, I appreciate Nigerian teachers. I am a product of their work and the education I received in their classrooms. I still remember the names and faces of my early teachers in Jada, who saw potential in a young orphan when few others did.”
He then turned his attention to Tinubu’s educational background, questioning the President’s ability to recall details about his school years.
“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 said.
He criticised the government over the economic difficulties confronting teachers saying that teachers were battling rising costs of food, transportation, rent and electricity, while their earnings had failed to keep pace with the increase in living expenses.
“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. Respect must be reflected in fair conditions, reliable support and policies that make life affordable,” Atiku said.
