A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State and former governorship candidate, Dr. Oluwole Oluyede, has urged teachers in the state to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Dr. Oluyede, Convener of the Oluyede Progressive Alliance for Renewed Hope Agenda (OPARHA), made the call in his goodwill message to mark the 2026 World Teachers’ Day on October 5.
The 2026 edition marks the 60th anniversary of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
In his message, Oluyede hailed teachers as the bedrock of human capital development, noting that no society can progress beyond the quality of its teachers.
He lauded members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Ekiti for their sacrifice and steadfastness in shaping the future of the state despite challenges.
According to him, every profession owes its existence to teachers, describing them as nation-builders who deserve improved welfare, dignity and better working conditions.
“Every doctor, lawyer, engineer and leader you see today passed through a teacher. Teachers are not just workers; they are the builders of our future,” he said.
Oluyede called on government at all levels to prioritize investment in teacher training, modern classroom infrastructure and policies that will boost teachers’ morale and productivity.
He stressed that a motivated teaching workforce remains critical to preparing Nigerian youths for a competitive global economy.
On the 2027 general elections, the PDP chieftain urged teachers to critically assess the policies and programmes of all candidates, while openly declaring his support for President Tinubu.
He said his support for Tinubu was informed by his belief that the administration has placed education and human capital development on the front burner.
He therefore charged teachers, as key stakeholders, to actively participate in the democratic process and not stay aloof.
“Teachers are major stakeholders in Nigeria’s future. As 2027 approaches, I encourage them to engage actively in the political process and interrogate the policies before them. For me, I support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term because I believe education and teachers’ welfare must remain at the heart of our national agenda,” he stated.
Oluyede, who launched OPARHA after the 2026 Ekiti governorship election to mobilise grassroots support for President Tinubu, also appealed for issue-based politics ahead of 2027.
He urged political actors to shun divisive rhetoric and focus on ideas that will improve the lives of Nigerians, adding that elections should be about competing policies and not bitterness.
He concluded by saluting all teachers in Ekiti and across Nigeria for their enduring impact on families, communities and the nation.
“Your classroom may look small, but the lives you mould there can transform a nation. Your sacrifice matters and your impact is eternal. Happy World Teachers’ Day,” he added.
