Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Tinubu administration to provide clarity on how savings from the removal of fuel subsidy have been applied, following renewed concerns raised by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over unpaid entitlements and unresolved agreements.
Speaking on Sunday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the subsidy removal imposed significant costs on households through higher fuel prices, transport fares, food prices and school fees.
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) noted that the policy was also presented to Nigerians as a step that would release resources for education, healthcare, infrastructure and other essential services.https://58abcc64853cdf2a0d377927cc049e4b.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-45/html/container.html
“If the subsidy has been removed and Nigerians have borne the attendant costs, then Nigerians deserve a clear explanation of how the savings are being applied,” Atiku said.
He said public universities continue to face funding challenges, with lecturers raising concerns about unpaid entitlements and outstanding agreements, while students face the risk of disruptions to the academic calendar.
Atiku added that the administration has cited increased allocations to state governments as part of the benefits of subsidy removal.
He, however, asked why public education across the federation still faces severe pressure, with both federal and state-owned universities experiencing industrial disputes and infrastructure gaps.https://f8c3089f35be51eb1d08027f276ee2db.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-45/html/container.html
“If more resources are reaching the federal government and states, citizens are entitled to ask how those resources are translating into improved classrooms, laboratories, hostels and teaching facilities,” he said.
The former vice president also raised questions about the government’s student loan scheme, NELFUND.
He said the rising cost of education has put additional strain on families and that the loan programme should be matched with measures to expand access and reduce the cost burden.
“Every year, more young Nigerians seek university education. The physical capacity of the system needs to expand to meet that demand. We need to see more classrooms, laboratories, hostels and expanded admission spaces,” he said.
Atiku further said that while government has asked citizens to make sacrifices, it must also ensure transparency and equity in the application of public resources, including the use of waivers and concessions.
He called for accountability in the management of proceeds from subsidy removal, and urged the government to prioritise investment in education, healthcare and infrastructure.
“ASUU is again raising concerns over unpaid entitlements and outstanding agreements. State universities have also experienced disruptions. Students are taking loans to fund education, while infrastructure in many universities remains inadequate.
“The sacrifice has been made by Nigerians. The expected improvements in public services must now be seen and felt,” he said.
Atiku urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the concerns raised by ASUU and other stakeholders, and to ensure that commitments made at the time of subsidy removal are fulfilled.
Credit: Nigerian Tribune