Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he described as the worsening economic hardship confronting teachers and other Nigerian families.


Atiku made the remarks in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, to commemorate the 2026 Teachers’ Day.


The former vice president paid tribute to teachers across the country, recalling the role they played in shaping his education and personal development.


Atiku said he still remembered the names and faces of his early teachers in Jada, noting that they recognised his potential and helped provide him with the foundation for his future.


He, however, expressed concern over the difficulties faced by teachers amid rising costs of food, transportation, rent and electricity.


According to him, some teachers are being forced to walk long distances because transportation costs consume a significant portion of their salaries, while others reportedly struggle to provide food for their families.


“When I hear of a teacher forced to walk miles because transport fares consume so much of their salary, or borrowing food on credit to feed their family before going to teach our children, my heart breaks,” Atiku said.


He stressed that no country could achieve sustainable development while neglecting the welfare of its teachers.


Atiku also took a direct swipe at President Tinubu, questioning his ability to understand the struggles of teachers if he could not identify any of his former teachers or classmates.


“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 described teachers as “the architects of every nation’s future,” arguing that leaders must understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by educators.


The ADC presidential candidate further criticised the government for celebrating teachers on Teachers’ Day while, according to him, failing to address the economic difficulties they face 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 called for improved working conditions, reliable support and economic policies capable of reducing the financial pressure on teachers and Nigerian families.


He also apologised to teachers and Nigerians “on behalf of a leadership that has failed to make their welfare a priority,” insisting that teachers deserve more than ceremonial recognition.


Speaking from his experience as an educationist and founder of the American University of Nigeria, Atiku said he understood the commitment and dedication required in the teaching profession.


He described teachers as builders of confidence, knowledge and opportunity, warning that Nigeria could not secure its future while neglecting those responsible for educating its children.


Atiku also pledged that his administration would prioritise policies aimed at reducing the cost of living, supporting decent employment and ensuring that Nigerians can earn enough to live dignified lives.


“My promise is clear: I will work to make life affordable again,” he said, adding that teachers and families should not have to spend virtually all their incomes on basic necessities such as food, transport, rent and electricity.


He concluded by thanking Nigerian teachers for their service and urged the government to translate its annual praise for educators into concrete policies and meaningful welfare support.