The former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi has advised the Federal Government to address the manpower crisis in the nation’s education sector.
Mr Obi stated this in a statement posted on his X handle on Tuesday, while celebrating all the teachers in Nigeria following the recent commemoration of World Teachers Day.
“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,” he said.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, who stated that the tireless efforts and sincere commitment of the teachers were the bedrock upon which the nation’s educational development stands, noted that investing in education by also investing in the teachers through training, empowerment, welfare, and a conducive work environment was critical to national development.
He however, expressed sadness that the teaching profession in Nigeria, has not received the due attention it deserves, as a critical contributor to national development. Saying that the severe shortage of teachers across the country signals a looming disaster in the nation’s education sector.
“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,” he added.
While saluting the courage, resilience and commitment of all the teachers in Nigeria who give their best to the nation, Obi said their dedication to duty remains critical in building the New Nigeria where their welfare is prioritised and 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 New Nigeria, and our dear teachers will be at the vanguard of our educational revolution in Nigeria,” he said.
