2027: I’m not opposed to education of poor children – Atiku fires back at Tinubu’s aide

Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has firmly stated that he does not oppose providing education for children from impoverished backgrounds. This clarification comes from Atiku's Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, through the platform X. Shaibu emphasized that Atiku's opposition is not to education itself, but rather to the practice of turning education into a debt trap that ensnares students and their families in financial burdens post-graduation.

Shaibu's statement was in response to a remark made by President Bola Tinubu's Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, who accused Atiku of opposing the National Educational Loan Fund (NELFUND) and advocating for its cancellation. Dada contended that Atiku believes the children of the poor should not have access to education.

Shaibu vehemently refuted this allegation, labeling Dada's assertion as "dishonest." He pointed out that Atiku's stance is rooted in the desire to ensure that education remains accessible and affordable for all.

Shaibu recounted a hypothetical scenario where a widow, struggling to make ends meet, sends her daughter to university. If government fees skyrocket beyond the widow's means, the government could then force the young woman to take on debt to finance her education. Atiku, according to Shaibu, does not advocate for compassion without clear solutions. His position is clear: he wants to make education affordable again, restore scholarships and grants, and ensure that no child begins their academic journey encumbered by debt.

Shaibu reiterated that a child from an impoverished background should not only enter school, but also graduate without the weight of financial obligations. He concluded by emphasizing that Atiku's vision is to ensure that education remains a pathway to opportunity rather than a source of financial hardship.