Peter Obi Decries Plight of Nigerian Professors After Emotional Encounter in Nsukka
Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, expressed deep concern over the dire circumstances facing university professors in Nigeria. Obi's remarks came following an emotional encounter with a long-time friend and university professor in Nsukka, Enugu State.
Mary Nwaeze 
In a heartfelt revelation today, Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, expressed deep concern over the dire circumstances facing university professors in Nigeria. Obi's remarks came following an emotional encounter with a long-time friend and university professor in Nsukka, Enugu State.
During a visit to campaign for a Labour Party House of Representatives member involved in a court-declared bye-election, Obi was confronted with the distressing reality of his friend's situation. The professor, who had dedicated 14 years to academia, disclosed to Obi the stagnation of his salary since 2010, leaving him in a state of financial despair.
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Obi, known for his background in finance, conducted a comparative analysis that revealed the shocking truth: despite years of hard work and achieving the pinnacle of his career, the professor's salary had depreciated significantly. "A Nigerian University Professor now earns 10% of what he earned 14 years ago – this is only possible in Nigeria," Obi emphasized.
The professor, once filled with pride over his academic achievements, now finds himself contemplating leaving the profession in search of better opportunities. His request for Obi's intervention to secure a position as a Special Adviser to a federal legislator underscores the desperate measures taken by many educators to sustain themselves and their families.
Moved by the professor's plight, Obi pledged to advocate for systemic changes to rectify the injustice faced by university teachers. "My campaign is to dismantle this criminality and create a functional society where people’s talents, efforts, and sacrifices will match up with their opportunities in life," Obi affirmed.
As Nigeria grapples with systemic issues plaguing its educational sector, Obi's outspoken condemnation highlights the urgent need for reform to ensure fair compensation and recognition for the nation's educators.
