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Guest Columnist By Blaise Udunze
By Yasir Shehu Adam
In recent weeks, I came across a thought-provoking publication titled “The Burden of Choice: Nigerians Must Defeat Tinubu.” While the article raises critical concerns about the current administration, it also opens the door for a more balanced and constructive national conversation—one that acknowledges both achievements and shortcomings without descending into personal attacks or political blackmail.
As a young journalist and keen observer of Nigeria’s socio-political landscape, I believe that disagreement should not breed hostility. As the Turkish scholar Fethullah Gülen once said, “Matured people never make difference of opinion a means of conflict.” This principle is especially relevant in a democratic society like ours, where freedom of expression must coexist with responsibility and fairness.
There is no doubt that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made notable efforts in steering Nigeria through a difficult economic transition. One of the most commendable initiatives under his administration is the establishment of the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). This program has provided a lifeline for many underprivileged students, offering them access to higher education without the immediate burden of financial constraints.
Additionally, the increment in lecturers’ salaries is a step in the right direction, signaling a recognition of the vital role educators play in national development. These are policies that deserve acknowledgment.
However, while these strides are appreciated, they only scratch the surface of what is required to transform Nigeria’s education sector. Across many universities, especially in technical and science-based disciplines, there remains a glaring lack of practical equipment and learning materials. Students are too often trained in theory without the tools to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. If Nigeria must compete globally, this gap must be urgently addressed.
Beyond education, the concerns become even more pressing in Northern Nigeria. The region continues to grapple with persistent insecurity, underdevelopment, and stalled infrastructural projects. Key initiatives such as the Mambilla Power Project and the Kolmani Oil and Gas development in Bauchi State remain largely unrealized in terms of tangible benefits to the people.
Security challenges in states like Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi, and even Borno—the home state of the Vice President—continue to threaten lives and livelihoods. While leadership is not measured solely by physical presence, the symbolic importance of visiting affected communities cannot be overstated. It reassures citizens that their pain is seen, heard, and prioritized.
Furthermore, the removal of fuel subsidy, though widely regarded by economists as a necessary reform, has placed a heavy burden on ordinary Nigerians. The expected cushioning measures have yet to significantly impact the lives of the average citizen. Salary increases benefit civil servants, but millions of unemployed youth and informal sector workers remain excluded from meaningful economic relief.
Another sensitive issue that deserves careful reflection is the perception of religious balance in governance. While Nigeria is a secular state, leadership must be seen as fair and inclusive to all groups. Feelings of marginalization—whether real or perceived—can deepen divisions and weaken national unity. It is therefore crucial for the administration to demonstrate equity in both policy and action.
This is not a call for condemnation, but a call for correction.
President Tinubu has shown political courage and strategic capacity in the past. What Nigerians now expect is a deepening of that commitment—one that prioritizes inclusive development, addresses regional disparities, and delivers practical solutions to everyday challenges.
Leadership is not only about initiating reforms; it is about ensuring that those reforms translate into real improvements in people’s lives.
As Nigeria moves forward, the task before the President is clear: consolidate the gains, confront the shortcomings, and rebuild trust across all regions and communities. The time to act is now.
Yasir Shehu Adam (Dan Liman), wrote from Bauchi State.
