Children begging on our streets should trouble every Nigerian, Atiku defends record

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has defended his record on education and support for disadvantaged children following criticism from a social media user about his handling of street begging during his eight years as Nigeria's Vice-President. The user, @Oluwabunmi63697, shared an image of children carrying begging bowls and questioned Atiku's efforts to address the issue during his tenure as VP.

Responding to the criticism, Atiku emphasized that the sight of children begging on Nigerian streets should trouble every Nigerian, highlighting the responsibility of every citizen to address the plight of vulnerable children. He cited initiatives from the American University of Nigeria (AUN), which he established in Yola, Adamawa State, as a practical investment in education and regional development.

Atiku explained that choosing Yola over commercial hubs like Abuja or Lagos was intentional, aiming to bring world-class education to a region that had long lacked access and development opportunities. He noted that the university's Feed and Read program provides daily meals and literacy/numeracy education to vulnerable Almajiri children, while its Technology-Enhanced Learning for All initiative has assisted over 20,000 internally displaced children through educational radio programs.

The ADC candidate also referenced the university's post-Chibok abduction response, awarding scholarships to young women who escaped Boko Haram captivity to help them rebuild their lives through education. Atiku reiterated his commitment to ensuring children are not left on the streets, stating that every child should be in a classroom, not begging for food.