The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has called for prioritisation of the welfare of teachers, saying their well-being should be part of education policy.
Precious Ibe
August 29, 2026
Speaker Abbas empowers Zaria teachers with motorcycles, seeks punctuality, easy transport
…says education policy must prioritise teachers’ welfare
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has called for prioritisation of the welfare of teachers, saying their well-being should be part of education policy.
“We must therefore treat teacher welfare as part of education policy, not as an afterthought,” Speaker Abbas stated in his address as he empowered teachers in Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State with motorcycles on Saturday.
The Speaker recalled his days as a teacher, noting the sacrifices that teachers make to impart knowledge on students.
Since assuming office as Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen empowered over 3,000 teachers in Zaria Federal Constituency.
He said, “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. For many teachers, that journey involves long distances, several vehicles, rising transport fares, and roads that become difficult during the rainy season.
“A teacher may arrive ready to teach but already tired from trying to get there. That is the practical problem we are addressing this afternoon.
“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.”
While noting that the “targeted support” provides a fairer answer, the Speaker said the motorcycles reduce transport costs directly for teachers who need help, adding that the intervention reaches the intended beneficiaries without subsidising those who consume the most fuel.
He said, “A motorcycle cannot teach a child, but it can bring the teacher who can. I understand the daily life of a teacher because I began my own career in the classroom. Between 1981 and 1988, I taught in primary schools under the Zaria Local Government Education Department.
“I remember the preparation before each lesson. I remember the responsibility of standing before young minds. I also remember that a teacher’s work does not end when the school bell rings.
“Teachers prepare lessons at home. They mark books after school. They guide children who are struggling. They speak with concerned parents. They often spend their own money on materials that the classroom needs.
“We must therefore treat teacher welfare as part of education policy, not as an afterthought.”Speaker Abbas pointed out that Nigeria urgently needs more trained teachers, with the northern states having “some of the lowest teacher-to-pupil ratios.”
While stating that buildings, books, and technology matter, the Speaker emphasised that “a child learns through the steady presence of a capable and committed teacher,” stressing that “that is why teacher mobility matters.”
He added, “When a teacher arrives on time, lessons begin on time. When a teacher attends school regularly, pupils develop better habits. When teachers can reach distant schools, rural children gain a fairer chance to learn.
“A teacher who saves money on transport can use that money for food, family needs, or professional development. A teacher who saves an hour on the road gains more time to prepare, teach, and rest.
“This intervention therefore supports mobility, morale and better classroom management. It also forms part of a wider programme.”
Speaker Abbas recalled how the earlier rounds of his constituency interventions provided motorcycles to primary and secondary school teachers across Zaria Federal Constituency. “During the 2026 Democracy Day programme alone, we presented 1,000 motorcycles to teachers,” he said.
The Speaker also said his representation had also improved school facilities, supported students, and invested in vocational and digital learning. “Today, we are focusing directly on the men and women who turn every educational investment into actual learning,” he said.
Speaker Abbas added, “The structure may be new. The textbook may be current. The computer may be fast. Yet none of them can recognise the confusion on a child’s face. None can offer encouragement after a wrong answer. None can discover the talent hidden behind a quiet voice. Only a teacher can do that.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has placed teacher development and support within his national education reforms. His administration’s education programme provides for better teacher data, digital training, and continuous professional development.
“The Federal Government has also introduced the HOPE Education programme to improve foundational learning and strengthen support for teachers. Here in Zaria, the elevation of the Federal College of Education to the Federal University of Education provides another concrete investment in training better teachers.
“These steps recognise a simple truth. We cannot improve learning without improving the conditions under which teachers work.”
The Speaker noted that the House shares that commitment, while the Legislative Agenda gives special attention to human capacity, instructional materials, and the quality of secondary education. He said through appropriation and oversight, the parliament will continue to demand that money approved for education reaches schools, teachers and pupils.
He stated, “A policy document in Abuja cannot teach a class in Zaria. The policy must produce training, tools, and tangible support where teachers work.”