By John Alechenu, Abuja
Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has pledged to overhaul Nigeria’s education system and make teaching one of the most attractive and best-paid professions in the country.
Adebayo made the pledge in a message marking the 2026 World Teachers’ Day.
The statement, issued on Sunday by Comrade Mark Adebayo, Head of Media and Communications, Adewole Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign, said the SDP candidate commended Nigerian teachers for their resilience and commitment despite difficult working conditions.
Recalling the formation of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in July 1931 by Alvan Ikoku and other pioneers, Adebayo said teachers had remained at the forefront of national development.
“Ninety-five years ago, in July 1931, visionary teachers came together to form the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT). Iconic youth leader and educationist, Alvan Ikoku, and other pioneer nationalists unified various regional teachers’ associations into a singular, formidable voice,” he said.
According to him, the NUT was established not merely as a trade union but as an organisation committed to national development, the standardisation of education and the protection of the dignity of Nigerian teachers.
“Today, we look back at that history and realise that the spirit of 1931 is still very much alive in our classrooms.
“Despite working under extremely difficult conditions, facing decades of systemic neglect, dilapidated classrooms, lack of modern teaching aids and delayed entitlements, Nigerian teachers have consistently given an excellent account of themselves,” he said.
Adebayo said virtually every national achievement could be traced to teachers who had nurtured talents across various fields, including science, business, the military and politics.
He, however, said the teaching profession had increasingly become one characterised by sacrifice without commensurate reward, promising what he described as a radical overhaul of the education sector if elected.
“We cannot expect a 21st-century educational miracle from 19th-century infrastructure and demoralised personnel,” he said.
“The Adewole Adebayo-Bugaje administration pledges to make teaching one of the most attractive professions in Nigeria. We will execute bold, revolutionary policies to overhaul the Nigerian educational system completely.”
He said his proposed reforms would focus on three areas: improved remuneration for teachers, modern educational infrastructure and greater institutional respect for the teaching profession.
Adebayo also acknowledged the contributions of teachers at all levels of the education system.
“To our primary school teachers laying the foundation, our secondary school teachers guiding our youth, and our university lecturers steering research — we see you, we value you, and help is on the way. Happy World Teachers’ Day,” he said.
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