Prominent whistleblower and public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu has sparked a wave of controversy with his recent comments on the Tinubu administration’s decision to privatize secondary education in Nigeria. Taking to his X handle, Shehu criticized the government’s move, describing it as yet another burden on the already struggling citizens.
In his post, Shehu remarked, “Since it is from Tinubu, it is not news. Not doing so by him would have been a news item.” His statement reflects a growing sentiment of disillusionment among Nigerians, who view the administration’s policies as increasingly exploitative.
Shehu went on to suggest that the privatization move is a disguised form of taxation, aimed at raising funds for the government’s questionable expenditures. He pointed to the possibility of these funds being used to purchase new planes for Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, in return for their “support” in what he perceives as the systematic erosion of Nigeria’s democratic values.
“This is nothing more than a betrayal of the Nigerian people,” Shehu warned. “A day is coming when the masses will rise against such injustices.”
The introduction of a N380,000 fee per student for secondary education has left many parents in shock, especially considering the economic hardships already faced by the majority of Nigerian families. Critics argue that this policy will further widen the gap between the rich and the poor, as access to quality education becomes increasingly out of reach for ordinary citizens.
As public outcry grows, the Tinubu administration is yet to issue a statement addressing the concerns raised by Shehu and other critics. However, the controversial move has undoubtedly set the stage for a broader debate on the future of education in Nigeria and the government’s role in ensuring equal access for all.
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