EDUCTAION: The presidential candidate of the People`s Democratic Party, (PDP), Abubakar Atiku has responded to media reports about his comments at NBA conference, regarding what he would do with public universities if he wins the presidential election.
WHAT WE KNOW
Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate has refuted media claims that, if elected in 2023, he will transfer control of federal colleges to state governments.
In a statement released on Monday night in Abuja, Paul Ibe, the former vice president’s communications adviser, said the claim is untrue.
About education and how to deal with the issue in the sector, Mr. Ibe stated that they had observed with dismay the cunning distortion of what Atiku said during the plenary of the 62nd annual conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
NOTBALE QUOTES
In Mr. Ibe’s words, “The report is false, untrue, unfounded and not a true reflection of what Atiku Abubakar said while responding to a question on devolution of powers, a key component of his policy framework.
“What the PDP presidential candidate referred to was his plans for a phased devolution of power to the federating units.”
“The report in some sections of the media is, therefore, a misleading and false account of what transpired when the PDP presidential candidate fielded questions as a panelist at the opening ceremony of the NBA conference.”
Ibe claimed that in response to the question thrown at him, Atiku had only mentioned his engagement to a university professor.
He continued, “Abubakar argued that the United States of America shared similarities with the first set of universities in Nigeria which belonged to the regional governments.”
“Abubakar also maintained that education would remain in the concurrent list under his administration when elected.”
He asserted that it was obvious the report was false and intended to defame the former vice president.
He claimed that the report was also intended to give the idea that, if he were to win the upcoming presidential election in February 2023, he would avoid fulfilling his obligations.
Mr. Ibe concluded, saying, “We wish to restate Mr. Abubakar’s avowed commitment to education as a game changer for socio-economic development and national security.”
“He remains concerned about the prolonged strike by university teachers.”
“He restates his position that under his watch the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) – Federal Government imbroglio will be better managed in the interest of both the students and academic staff.”
“We implore media organizations to be wary of unfounded stories in the course of carrying out their constitutionally guaranteed responsibility of informing, educating, and entertaining the people.”
