World Teachers’ Day 2026: Buba pledges better welfare, training, safe learning environment for Bauchi teachers
By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi
The Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District of Bauchi State, Shehu Umar Buba, has described Teaching as a noble profession that cut across every other profession and must be held in high esteem.
Buba who is the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in the 2027 general elections, made the assertion in his goodwill message to mark the 2026 World Teachers Day.
He stated in a statement signed by Comrade Sabo Mohammed, Special Adviser of Media, that, “As a trained teacher, I join millions of Nigerians particularly the good people of Bauchi State in extending my heartfelt felicitations to teachers across the country as we commemorate World Teachers’ Day 2026.”
He stated that, “This year’s theme, “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing Its Status and Shaping Our Future,” is timely and serves as a clarion call to governments, education stakeholders, communities, and citizens to prioritize the welfare and professional development of educators.”
According to him, “Teachers remain the foundation upon which every successful education system is built. No meaningful development can occur without competent, motivated, and adequately supported teachers. Therefore, governments must invest substantially in teachers’ welfare, continuous training, modern facilities, and safe learning environments.”
Buba added, “Having taught at Shadawanka Primary School, Bauchi, and served with the Bauchi State Nomadic Commission, I speak from personal experience regarding the challenges confronting teachers and the education sector.”
According to him, “In recent years, education across various levels in Bauchi State has faced significant hurdles, including dilapidated infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, acute shortages of qualified teachers—particularly in science and technical subjects—and an uneven distribution of teachers between urban and rural areas.
“The lack of adequate incentives makes it difficult to attract and retain qualified teachers in rural communities. Equally concerning is the urgent need for greater attention to teachers’ career advancement, professional development, working conditions, and overall welfare,” he added.
The PRP gubernatorial candidate stressed, “As a teacher and Senator, I am consistently guided by the core values of this noble profession. This commitment has driven my efforts to support quality education and create opportunities for students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
He added,”Through various interventions, I have supported students seeking higher education in Nigeria and abroad, funded school construction projects in my constituency, assisted students with NECO, WAEC, NBAIS, and JAMB examination fees, and championed initiatives to strengthen the educational sector.”
He added,”Furthermore, I have consistently advocated for improved welfare for teachers, including subsidizing salaries for teachers in Islamiyya schools across Bauchi State.”
He stated, “These interventions are rooted in my firm belief that education is not merely a social service, but a fundamental investment in the prosperity of our people and Bauchi State.”
On his vision for Education in Bauchi State, assured, “If elected Governor of Bauchi State in 2027 under the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), I will collaborate with education stakeholders, teachers’ unions, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, and the Bauchi State House of Assembly to implement a comprehensive education reform agenda.”
He further assured, “My administration will ensure adequate budgetary allocations for education and guarantee the prompt release of approved funds to develop public schools across the state.”
He added, “We will prioritize the rehabilitation and construction of classrooms, laboratories, libraries, teachers’ quarters, sanitation facilities, and water infrastructure required to create safe and conducive learning environments. Special attention will be directed toward teacher recruitment, welfare, and capacity building—with a strong emphasis on science, technology, and vocational education.
“Additionally, my administration will ensure the prompt payment of counterpart funding for partnership projects to revive delayed or moribund educational initiatives. We will establish equitable deployment mechanisms for teachers to rural and underserved communities, supported by targeted incentives,” he added.
According to him, “Furthermore, the Safe School Initiative will be a core priority: our schools must remain secure environments where children can learn without fear and teachers can work with confidence. We will also drive initiatives to boost school enrollment and retention, particularly for girls and disadvantaged youth, while cutting dropout rates through community engagement and improved learning conditions.
“Finally, we will integrate modern technology and digital tools to prepare our youth for the 21st-century economy.
On this World Teachers’ Day, I salute all teachers in Bauchi State and across Nigeria for their dedication, sacrifices, and invaluable contributions to nation-building. I particularly commend those serving in challenging environments with limited resources,” he added.
Buba concluded,”Let us remember that every professional—from doctors and engineers to lawyers and leaders—was guided by a teacher. Investing in our teachers is investing in the future of Bauchi State.”
