The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),
Atiku Abubakar, on Monday said he will transfer control of universities funded by the federal government to state governments if he becomes president in 2023.
This is coming amid the continued strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
As a panelist at the 2022 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference, which took place in Lagos, the former Vice-President said the FG’s resources cannot cover for all federal universities’ needs.
This week’s conference, themed “Bold Transitions,” got underway today. It will end on August 26.
“I got into a fight with a professor at Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State. He claimed to have seen in my policy document my intention to devolve, or to hand back control of education to the states. What the heck am I doing?” Atiku said.
“Do you realize, Mr. Professor, that the first group of our universities is owned by the regional governments? I asked. He replied, “Yes.” I said, “Who will succeed the regional government?” The states, he said.
“I stated the kids you send to the universities in England and America are owned by…,” the majority of the private sector. Why do you think we can’t do it here, then? We lack the necessary funds.”
Since February 14, ASUU has been on strike in support of a number of demands, including enhanced welfare, the revitalisation of public universities, and academic autonomy.
