The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has stated that Nigeria is undergoing a fundamental and disruptive reset following the removal of subsidies by President Bola Tinubu.
Soludo made this remark during Veritas University’s 13th Convocation Lecture in Abuja on Thursday.
The lecture, titled ‘Let Us Make a New Deal for Nigeria’, explored ways to address the country’s challenges.
Soludo noted the need to transition from subsidies, which largely benefitted the urban elite, to a productive social contract that creates opportunities for all.
He explained that the country has ended the harmful fuel, foreign exchange, and electricity subsidies.
“We have entered a ‘muddling-through’ phase that requires careful navigation,” Soludo said.
He stated that he benefitted from free, quality education at the primary, secondary, and university levels, with subsidised meals in public universities until government funding became unsustainable.
He acknowledged that, despite other issues, the military regimes invested in education during Nigeria’s early oil booms.
Soludo urged Nigerians to craft a pragmatic new deal for the country, as well as an emergency national infrastructure plan, similar to the U.S. Marshall Plan used to rebuild Europe after World War II.
He encouraged Nigerian leaders to draw inspiration from the Marshall Plan to implement public works projects, financial reforms, and regulatory changes that could transform the nation.
He also highlighted positive signs, such as the minimum wage legislation, the draft tax reform bill, and planned cash transfers.
He called for historic coordination between federal and state governments to ensure swift implementation of these reforms.
Soludo urged the graduating students to actively contribute to the country’s future.
He said, “The future you seek is in your hands. Only those who plan can control the future. While Nigeria may not have given you much, you are expected to give more than you have received.”
He encouraged them to participate in shaping the nation’s destiny.
In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of Veritas University, Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku, praised the governor’s commitment to youth education.
He reaffirmed the university’s dedication to providing quality education and fostering strong moral values.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Matthew Kukah, raised concerns about the rise of banditry and insecurity in Nigeria, attributed to uneducated individuals.
He stressed the need to address this issue for the safety of future generations.
(NAN)