Tinubu records gains in infrastructure, education but faces challenges in security, inclusiveness, resource distribution — Don

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By Augustine Idiagbon

A lecturer in the Department of Philosophy, Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State,  Prof. Philip Ujomu, has said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has recorded notable achievements in infrastructure and education over the past three years but continues to grapple with significant challenges in security, inclusiveness and equitable distribution of resources.

Ujomu stated this in an interview with Realnews Magazine while assessing the political authority and governance record of the administration since its inauguration in May 2023.

According to him, one of the major issues in evaluating the administration is the question of resource distribution following the removal of fuel subsidy.

He noted that although the subsidy removal helped to curb corruption associated with the scheme and increased revenues available to governments, many Nigerians were yet to experience the expected benefits.

“The removal of fuel subsidy was not in itself a bad policy because it stopped some forms of corruption at the higher levels of government. The problem is that after stopping the bleeding, Nigerians expected to see where the savings were redirected and how they would benefit from them.

“The major beneficiaries of the increased revenues were state governments through higher allocations from the Federation Account. Unfortunately, many states have struggled to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach the common man,” he said.

The don observed that despite increased government revenues, many Nigerians continue to face hardship arising from high food prices, rising transportation costs and inflation.

He, however, commended the administration’s investment in infrastructure, particularly road construction and rehabilitation projects across the country.

According to him, infrastructure development remains one of the strongest aspects of the administration’s performance.

“Tinubu is doing a lot with infrastructure. There are major road projects linking different regions of the country and significant investments in transportation networks. In that area, the administration deserves commendation because infrastructure is also a way of distributing resources to the people,” he said.

Ujomu also praised the ongoing infrastructural renewal in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, noting that roads, bridges and flyovers had significantly improved the nation’s capital.

He added that improvements in the aviation sector had enhanced one of Nigeria’s major gateways to the international community.

On security, the philosopher acknowledged that insecurity remained one of the most serious challenges confronting the administration.

He noted that while the government had invested heavily in security through the acquisition of aircraft, drones and surveillance technologies, recruitment of personnel and support for local security initiatives, the overall security situation remained a source of concern.

“The government has not been afraid to spend on security. It has acquired equipment, recruited personnel and attempted reforms. Yet insecurity remains one of the major challenges Nigerians will consider when assessing the administration,” he said.

He also questioned the effectiveness of security spending at sub-national levels, especially in relation to security votes.

“When states receive huge security allocations and insecurity remains widespread, questions naturally arise regarding accountability and effectiveness,” he added.

Ujomu further identified inclusiveness as one of the contentious issues facing the administration.

According to him, concerns have been raised by critics over the ethnic and regional distribution of appointments and access to political power.

“In a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society like Nigeria, inclusiveness is very important. Many critics argue that appointments and access to power have not reflected the diversity of the country as much as they should,” he said.

The don also said allegations of increasing concentration of political power had become part of the public discourse surrounding the administration.

According to him, some critics contend that the ruling party has expanded its influence across several institutions and political platforms, creating concerns about the strength of opposition politics and democratic competition.

“One of the accusations against the current administration is that it is moving towards a dominant-party system. Whether one agrees with that assessment or not, it remains part of the political conversation surrounding the government,” he said.

Despite these concerns, Ujomu commended the administration’s interventions in the education sector.

He said the government had taken steps to address long-standing issues affecting tertiary institutions, improved remuneration for university staff and introduced the student loan scheme.

“Tinubu has done well in higher education. The student loan programme has expanded access to education, salaries have improved and the university system has enjoyed a greater level of stability than in previous years,” he said.

According to him, the administration has also expanded access to tertiary education through the establishment of additional federal institutions.

The scholar, however, observed that the administration was also facing challenges associated with entrenched political interests and influence networks often described as cabals.

He said such influences were not unique to the current administration but had featured in several previous governments.

“The issue of powerful interests influencing government decisions is not peculiar to this administration. It is part of the broader challenge of governance in Nigeria,” he said.

Looking ahead to the next general election cycle, Ujomu said one of the key tests of the administration would be its ability to guarantee credible, free and fair elections despite the President being a contestant.

“One of the litmus tests of the administration will be whether it can oversee a transparent and credible electoral process. Nigerians will be watching closely because the conduct of elections is central to democratic legitimacy,” he said.

He noted that public demonstrations and protests witnessed during the administration, including protests against economic hardship and governance concerns, reflected the frustrations of some segments of the population and would form part of the broader assessment of the government’s performance.

According to him, Nigerians are likely to evaluate the administration on issues such as insecurity, cost of living, inclusiveness, infrastructure development and educational reforms as political campaigns gather momentum.

“The administration has recorded achievements in infrastructure and education and deserves recognition in those areas. However, concerns about insecurity, inclusiveness and the distribution of economic benefits remain important issues that require greater attention.

“As the country moves closer to another election cycle, Nigerians will ultimately decide whether the administration has done enough to earn their continued support,” he said.

F.O

Tags: education infrastructure Tinubu