Atiku demands subsidy savings over ASUU strike threat

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded that President Bola Tinubu explain where the funds saved from the removal of fuel subsidies have gone, in response to the Academic Staff Union of Universities threatening another industrial action. Atiku's statement on Sunday criticized the government's justification for removing fuel subsidies, noting that public universities continue to face inadequate funding, infrastructure issues, and unresolved labour disputes.

He questioned why, despite the administration's claims of increased revenues and allocations to states, the condition of public education has not improved. Atiku emphasized that if substantial money has indeed been redirected to states, the government must demonstrate how these funds have been deployed for the betterment of education.

He accused the Tinubu administration of failing to address unpaid obligations, expand universities, and make education more affordable. Atiku also criticized a perceived disparity in government treatment between ordinary Nigerians, workers, students, and well-connected interests. He pointed out that while citizens faced hardship due to the subsidy removal, powerful groups received concessions and privileges.

The former vice president highlighted that the removal of subsidies has increased the financial burden on families, as the cost of education and daily necessities has risen. He further criticized the student loan program, arguing that it was created to address a problem exacerbated by rising costs of living and education. Atiku questioned the capacity of Nigerian universities to accommodate the increasing number of students, pointing out the lack of new classrooms, laboratories, hostels, and teaching facilities.