Senator Ayodele Arise, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress, has praised the economic reforms implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing their positive impact on Nigeria’s economy. Despite criticism from opposition parties, Arise believes the president’s policy decisions have led to economic growth and social development.
According to Arise, the administration’s efforts have resulted in a reduction in inflation and increased funding for critical institutions, such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. This has enabled many young Nigerians to access tertiary education, addressing financial constraints that previously prevented qualified students from pursuing higher education. The student loan scheme has been instrumental in promoting education and reducing the brain drain, Arise noted.
The APC chieftain also highlighted the improved stability in the university system, attributed to the Tinubu administration’s engagement with academic and non-academic unions, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union. As a result, academic disruptions have decreased, allowing students to complete their programs within the stipulated time frame. This development has helped curb the trend of students spending six or seven years on a four-year course, Arise said.
On governance at the local level, Arise commended President Tinubu’s emphasis on financial autonomy for local governments, aimed at accelerating development in rural areas. By granting councils direct access to their funds, service delivery in areas such as road construction, healthcare, and primary education is expected to improve. This move is anticipated to enable local governments to have a more meaningful impact on the lives of people at the grassroots level.
Arise also defended the removal of the fuel subsidy, describing it as a difficult but necessary decision that has ended years of abuse and revenue leakages. The subsidy regime, he alleged, previously benefited a small group of individuals through fraudulent practices. The removal of the subsidy is expected to promote transparency and accountability in the management of the country’s resources.
The economic reforms implemented by the Tinubu administration have been a subject of debate, with some opposition parties criticizing the government’s approach. However, Arise’s comments suggest that the administration’s efforts are yielding positive results, particularly in the areas of education and local governance. As the administration continues to implement its economic agenda, it remains to be seen how these reforms will impact the country’s overall development in the long term.
