“You can’t reduce graduates to Akara, Kuli Kuli sellers” — Obidients knock Remi Tinubu

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, particularly at a time when millions of Nigerian youths are battling unemployment, rising living costs and worsening 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 the First Lady’s comments failed to reflect the realities confronting Nigerian graduates.

Tanko argued that while there is dignity in every legitimate profession, government officials should focus on creating opportunities for young people rather than appearing to normalise graduate unemployment.

According to him, many Nigerian graduates are not unemployed because they are unwilling to work, but because the economy has failed to generate enough quality jobs.

He maintained that the responsibility of government is to provide an environment where educated youths can utilise their skills and contribute meaningfully to national development.

The Obidient Movement said the remarks risk sending the wrong message to students and graduates who have invested years pursuing higher education with hopes of securing professional careers.

The group urged the Federal Government to prioritise policies capable of expanding employment opportunities, supporting entrepreneurship and improving the country’s economic conditions instead of making comments that could be interpreted as lowering expectations for graduates.

It added that Nigeria’s young people deserve leadership that inspires confidence and provides realistic pathways to economic empowerment.

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