7 Oct 2025

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. 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. The tireless efforts and sincere commitment of our teachers are the bedrock upon which our educational development stands. Investing in education by also investing in our teachers through training, empowerment, welfare, and a conducive work environment is critical to national development. The teaching profession in Nigeria, unfortunately, has not received the due attention it deserves, as a critical contributor to national development. The severe shortage of teachers across the country signals a looming disaster in our education sector. 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 the number of qualified teachers, investing in their training contributes immensely to the growth of education in the country. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. -PO