Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate for the elections of 2023, has challenged the federal government to commit to paying teachers' wages on time every month.

Additionally, he urged Nigerians to adopt the habit of celebrating teachers who are fostering the nation's human capital rather than supporting the politicians who are responsible for its problems.

On the occasion of World Teachers' Day on Thursday, Obi posted this on his X page (previously Twitter), emphasizing the importance of teachers in Nigerian society.

“I would like to celebrate all the teachers in Nigeria today, as the global community marks World Teachers Day. I celebrate them for their commitment to the task of nation-building. It is often said that the building of great nations begins in the classrooms,” Obi wrote.

“The foundation of the development of any society is human capital development which can only be achieved through education and the immeasurable contribution of teachers. So, there cannot be any true development in a society without the critical input of the educators who are our teachers. 

“The great rigour, hard work, patience, and dedication most teachers in different schools and institutions, especially at the basic level, put into their work to ensure that their students can become the best in learning and character, deserve special acknowledgement and commendation. 

“I urge the government to take teachers’ salaries seriously and ensure that they are paid as and when due. At the basic education level, which is the most critical, governments should intervene in schools owned by private and voluntary agencies, and ensure that their teachers are paid as their counterparts in public schools.