Tanko Challenges First Lady’s Akara Advice
Yunusa Tanko, the national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, has reacted strongly to a comment made by First Lady Remi Tinubu during a recent interview. Tinubu encouraged Nigerians facing economic hardship to start small‑scale businesses such as akara frying, corn roasting, or kuli‑kuli production, stressing that these ventures require little capital and have been supported through grants rather than loans.
Appearing on Arise Television’s “Prime Time” programme on Wednesday, Tanko dismissed the idea that a university graduate should be reduced to street food vending. He stressed that such a narrative undermines the value of higher education and the aspirations of young Nigerians who have invested years in academic training.
Graduates Deserve Jobs Aligned with Their Qualifications
“You cannot reduce people who have studied at the university to akara and corn sellers,” Tanko declared. He argued that the current administration’s approach fails to recognise the potential of educated youths and instead pushes them toward informal, low‑income trades.
Tanko pointed to the vision of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), as a contrasting model. According to him, Obi aims to restructure the nation’s fortunes so that graduates can secure employment that reflects their skills and knowledge.
He highlighted Obi’s track record in his home state, where educational reforms lifted student performance from sixth place to the top ranking, and where security initiatives protected lives and property. “Who wouldn’t want that person as a president?” Tanko asked rhetorically.
Call for Policies That Reward Education
The Obidient Movement coordinator urged policymakers to create an environment where university graduates are compensated according to their qualifications. He warned that persistently directing educated citizens toward petty trading could deepen frustration and hinder national development.
Tanko’s remarks have reignited the debate over Nigeria’s economic strategies, the role of entrepreneurship versus formal employment, and the responsibility of leadership to harness the country’s educated workforce for sustainable growth.
About the Author
