…promises better deal if elected in 2027
By Our Correspondent
The 2027 House of Representatives candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, for Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo Federal Constituency, Engr Ubong Idemudo, has described teachers as frontline assets to the state, country and the whole world.
In a goodwill message to mark the 2026 World Teachers’ Day, Idemudo celebrated teachers for their sacrifices and immeasurable role in shaping the future of society, noting that no nation can develop beyond the quality of its teachers.
He said teachers deserve life-touching packages that would make their jobs enjoyable, but decried the poor working environments in which Nigerian teachers operate.
According to the international oil and gas expert, while teachers in other climes are well-paid with good working conditions and reasonable pensions on retirement, Nigerian teachers have about the worst form of welfare packages in the world.
“Teachers are frontline assets to the state, country and the whole world. They are the foundation upon which every other profession is built. Without teachers, there would be no engineers, doctors, lawyers or leaders,” Idemudo said.
He stated, “Teachers deserve life-touching packages that would make their jobs enjoyable, but it is painful that in Nigeria we still subject them to poor working environments, poor pay and neglect.”
Idemudo lamented that many teachers in public schools across the country still teach under ramshackle classroom blocks, without teaching materials and with salaries that are not commensurate with the critical role they play in national development.
“While teachers in other climes are well-paid with good working conditions and reasonable pensions on retirement, Nigerian teachers have about the worst form of welfare packages, the world over. This is unacceptable and must change,” he said.
The NDC candidate noted that the low morale among teachers has contributed to falling standards of education in the country, as many brilliant minds no longer find the profession attractive.
He promised a better deal for teachers if elected into the National Assembly in 2027, assuring that he would champion legislation that prioritizes teachers’ welfare, training and working conditions.
“If elected into the National Assembly in 2027 to represent Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo Federal Constituency, I will push for a better deal for our teachers. We need laws that guarantee enhanced salaries, health insurance, housing schemes, and dignified pensions for teachers. We must make the profession attractive again,” Idemudo promised.
He said his legislative focus would include pushing for increased budgetary allocation to education, compulsory continuous professional development for teachers, and special allowances for teachers posted to riverine and hard-to-reach areas like Eastern Obolo and other parts of the constituency.
Idemudo also called on the Federal and State Governments, as well as private sector stakeholders, to invest more in the education sector, stressing that the welfare of teachers should be at the heart of education reform.
“On this World Teachers’ Day, I salute all teachers in Akwa Ibom State and across Nigeria for your resilience and commitment. You have continued to give your best despite the challenges. Your labour will never be in vain,” he said.
He urged teachers to remain steadfast and continue to be role models to their students, assuring them that better days are ahead.
World Teachers’ Day is celebrated globally every October 5 to honour teachers and recognize their contributions to education and societal development.
