The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas has called for the welfare of teachers to be made a central component of Nigeria’s education policy, rather than treated as an afterthought.
Abbas spoke Saturday while empowering teachers in Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State with motorcycles to ease transportation challenges and improve punctuality in schools.
The Speaker, who recalled his experience as a teacher, said the intervention was designed to help teachers reach their schools earlier, reduce transportation costs and improve their effectiveness in the classroom.
“The first lesson of the school day often begins before the teacher reaches the classroom. It begins when the teacher wakes early, prepares the day’s lessons, and starts the journey to school,” he said.
According to him, many teachers travel long distances, use several vehicles and contend with rising transport fares and difficult roads, particularly during the rainy season.
He said, “The motorcycles before us are not ceremonial gifts. They are working tools. They will help teachers reach their schools earlier, travel more safely, and spend less on daily transport.”
Abbas, who taught in primary schools under the Zaria Local Government Education Department between 1981 and 1988, said teachers perform several responsibilities beyond classroom teaching, including lesson preparation, marking of books and supporting struggling pupils.
“We must therefore treat teacher welfare as part of education policy, not as an afterthought,” he stated, stressing that Nigeria urgently needs more trained teachers, particularly in northern states where teacher-to-pupil ratios remain among the lowest.
The Speaker said although school buildings, textbooks and technology were important, the presence of committed teachers remained critical to effective learning, noting that “a child learns through the steady presence of a capable and committed teacher.”
He added that when teachers arrive on time and attend school regularly, pupils develop better habits, while teachers who save money and time on transportation can devote more resources and energy to their families, professional development and classroom duties.
Abbas disclosed that more than 3,000 teachers had benefited from his constituency empowerment initiatives since he became Speaker, including 1,000 motorcycles distributed to teachers during the 2026 Democracy Day programme.
He said the intervention was part of broader investments in education in Zaria Federal Constituency, including improved school facilities, student support, vocational training and digital learning, adding that the Federal Government’s education reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also emphasised teacher development, digital training and continuous professional development.
“A policy document in Abuja cannot teach a class in Zaria. The policy must produce training, tools, and tangible support where teachers work,” Abbas said, pledging that the House would continue to use appropriation and oversight to ensure that funds approved for education reach schools, teachers and pupils.
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