The “challenges” of out-of-school children will be difficult to tackle in Nigeria in the absence of “deliberate and sustained investments in education”, Peter Obi said.
The 2027 Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) made the statement as he joined the world community in celebrating teachers on World Teachers’ Day on Monday 5 October, 2026.
On X, Obi said, teachers don’t “merely impact knowledge”, they “shape minds” and build the “next generation of leaders”.
In his message on World Teachers’ Day, Obi said: “Teachers belong to one of the most important professions in any society. They are not merely imparting knowledge; they are shaping minds, nurturing character, and preparing the next generation of citizens, professionals, and leaders.
“The quality of our teachers will, to a great extent, determine the quality of our human capital and, ultimately, the future of our nation.”
He saluted teachers for being “resilient”, as well as, the “immense sacrifices” they make most times in the midst of “difficult socio-economic conditions”.
The former Governor of Anambra State opined, the welfare of teachers need to be “improved”. He said, the payment of their salaries must be “prompt”, as well as, a “conducive” environment to work in made available for them.
He said, if teachers are handed the right tools, they will do their teaching “effectively”.
Obi said: “I salute our teachers for their resilience, dedication, and immense sacrifices, often made under difficult socio-economic conditions.
“We must do more to improve their welfare, ensure the prompt payment of their salaries, provide conducive working environments, and equip them with the tools required to teach effectively. The dignity of the teaching profession must be restored.”
He called on Nigeria to ensure education is alloted “greater priority” in the country’s national planning and budgeting.
The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) said: “Nigeria cannot successfully address the challenges of out-of-school children, unemployment, poverty, and underdevelopment without making deliberate and sustained investments in education.
“Education must therefore receive greater priority in our national planning and budgeting, with teachers and educational infrastructure receiving the attention they deserve.”
He thanked teachers for “your service and for continuing to build our nation, one child at a time”, and, pleaded with them to “remain steadfast and hopeful” with the belief that, the “Nigeria we all desire is possible, and building it begins with investing in our people”.
World Teachers’ Day 2026
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Teachers’ Day 2026 celebrates the importance of teachers, highlights the problems teachers face, and the request for governments to “protect and promote” its status.
UNESCO (unesco.org), the specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) with its focus on world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture, said:
“The 2026 World Teachers’ Day will mark the 60th anniversary of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers under the theme “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures”.
“The event will celebrate progress in recognizing teachers’ vital role, highlight the challenges the profession continues to face, and call on society and policymakers to protect, promote and elevate its status.”
“Co-convened by UNESCO, the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNICEF and Education International, the celebration will take place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.”
