The Labour Party has called on the Federal Government to immediately declare a State of Emergency in Nigeria’s teaching sector, warning that the country’s quest for sustainable development could be undermined by the worsening welfare and working conditions of teachers.
The party made the demand in a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa, to commemorate the 2026 World Teachers’ Day.
The party described teachers as the backbone of the nation’s education system, expressing concern that poor remuneration, inadequate facilities and declining motivation were threatening the quality of education in the country.
According to the Labour Party, declaring an emergency in the sector should pave the way for urgent intervention in the training and retraining of teachers, improvement of learning environments and substantial enhancement of their welfare and conditions of service.
It said teachers saddled with the responsibility of shaping future generations could not be expected to deliver quality education when they were “ill-equipped, poorly motivated and inadequately rewarded.”
The party urged the Federal and state governments to urgently address what it described as the “pitiable condition” of teachers and make education a central pillar of national development.
The Labour Party also pointed to developments in Abia State under Governor Alex Otti, claiming that his administration had fulfilled campaign promises made to teachers in the state.
It said the Abia experience demonstrated what could be achieved when government prioritised teachers’ welfare, adding that Labour Party candidates would seek to replicate such measures across the country if elected in the 2027 general elections.
The party further appealed to teachers to support its candidates at all levels in the 2027 elections, citing its historical ties with the labour movement and its commitment to protecting workers’ interests.
It, however, stressed that improved salaries alone would not solve the challenges facing the teaching profession, noting that sustained investment in professional development, teaching facilities and the overall learning environment was equally necessary.
The Labour Party also rejected the popular saying that “a teacher’s reward is in heaven” as a justification for poor treatment of educators.
The party said the phrase should not be used to rationalise the neglect or deprivation of teachers, insisting that educators deserved respect, decent remuneration and the tools needed to effectively perform their duties.
It reaffirmed its commitment to a Nigeria where teachers are respected, adequately rewarded and provided with conducive working conditions to shape the future of the country.
