The Obidient Movement has reacted strongly to comments made by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, over remarks suggesting that university graduates could end up selling akara or roasting corn.
The group described the statement as insensitive and discouraging, especially at a time when millions of Nigerian youths are battling unemployment, rising living costs, and economic hardship.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, said such comments diminish the value of education and fail to reflect the real expectations of young Nigerians.
According to Tanko, years spent in higher institutions should lead to better opportunities and decent livelihoods, not a future where graduates are forced into survival-level jobs due to lack of government support and poor economic planning.
“You cannot reduce people who have studied at the university to akara and corn sellers,” Tanko said.
He maintained that the real issue is not about whether small businesses are honorable, but about the failure of leadership to create an environment where graduates can fully apply their skills and training.
Tanko said Nigeria’s education system should produce graduates who can contribute meaningfully to national development while also earning incomes that match their qualifications.
He argued that this is one of the core messages of Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement.
According to him, Obi’s vision for Nigeria focuses on rebuilding the economy, improving education, and ensuring that academic achievement translates into real economic opportunities.
“Peter Obi plans to turn the fortunes of Nigerians such that when you go to school, you deserve to earn according to what you have learned,” Tanko added.
He also pointed to Obi’s time as governor of Anambra State, claiming the state witnessed improvements in education, security, and governance during his administration.
Tanko said this record reflects the kind of leadership many Nigerians want at the national level.
The Obidient Movement further stressed that graduates should not be pushed into jobs far below their training because of economic failure.