Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has questioned the use of funds saved from the removal of fuel subsidy, asking the Federal Government to explain how the resources are being deployed to improve education and other public services.
Atiku’s position comes as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) raises fresh concerns over outstanding agreements and unpaid entitlements, with the possibility of further disruption to activities in public universities.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said Nigerians had endured higher transportation, food, fuel and education costs since the subsidy was removed and should therefore be able to see tangible benefits from the policy.
He argued that the government had justified the subsidy removal partly on the grounds that savings would be redirected to critical sectors, including education, healthcare and infrastructure.
Atiku questioned why public universities were still struggling with inadequate infrastructure and funding despite increased revenues accruing to the Federal Government and states.
He said the government needed to demonstrate how the additional resources were improving classrooms, laboratories, hostels and other facilities required to expand access to university education.
The former vice president also raised concerns about the increasing cost of tertiary education and called for stronger measures to complement the Nigerian Education Loan Fund scheme. He said expanding university infrastructure and admission capacity was necessary as more young Nigerians seek higher education.
According to him, unresolved issues between the government and ASUU, coupled with disruptions in some state universities, could further affect students and the academic calendar.
Atiku urged the Federal Government to prioritise investment in education and other essential services while ensuring transparency in the management of resources generated by the subsidy removal.
He said Nigerians had already made significant sacrifices and should not have to wait indefinitely to experience the improvements promised when the policy was introduced.
