Nigeria faces petrol price hikes and university strike threats

Nigeria faces escalating economic and academic tensions as fuel prices rise and university strikes loom. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the recent surge in petrol prices, which have reached N1,470 per litre at some stations. Atiku questioned the administration of President Bola Tinubu regarding the utilization of funds saved from the removal of petrol subsidies, arguing that the increased cost of living—affecting food, transport, and manufacturing—contradicts the government's promise to redirect subsidy savings into essential services like education.

Simultaneously, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened renewed industrial action due to the non-implementation of previous agreements and unpaid salaries. This threat has caused significant unrest in Ondo State, where students from state-owned universities have issued a 14-day ultimatum to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to resolve the dispute. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) warned of widespread protests if academic activities are not restored, noting that the prolonged strike has already caused significant academic and financial disruptions for students and their families.