‘I Nearly Shed Tears When I Last Visited President Muhammadu Buhari In Daura’ – Atiku Abubakar by Citynobs May 30, 2025, 1:40 am As a result of the significant presence of young Almajiris along the roadways, former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar revealed that he was on the verge of tears during his recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, which is located in the state of Katsina. Atiku acknowledged the emotional toll of witnessing the educational catastrophe that is afflicting northern Nigeria (particularly in a region that was previously recognised for its academic excellence) during a media coverage that was provided by Symfoni TV. The former vice president presented a sobering account of his journey from Katsina airport to Daura, highlighting the tremendous gap that exists between the educational past of the region and the predicament that it is currently facing. My most recent visit to President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura brought me to the point where I was on the edge of tears. “Upon my arrival at Katsina airport, I observed a significant presence of Almajiris along the route from Katsina to Daura, numbering anywhere from 20 to 40, and even larger groups on the road,” Atiku made the observation. He brought attention to the tragic irony of witnessing such educational neglect in a region that had previously been responsible for the development of Nigeria’s founding leaders. “This location was once the Katsina College, the alma mater of all our first republic leaders.” All of the Almajiris who are in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are currently residing there as their primary residence. “Until I travelled to Daura and returned to the airport, ladies and gentlemen, these are indeed significant matters,” Atiku told the audience. It was highlighted by the candidate for president that the educational problem extends beyond the challenges that are currently being faced and would also have an effect on future generations. The destinies of our children and grandchildren are included in these worries, which go beyond our own lives and embrace these issues. The phrase “See, I live my life” was something that I frequently shared with my children. You and their children are the ones who are affected by this, thank goodness. “We must confront these challenges with utmost seriousness now,” he said with conviction. During his time as Vice President, Atiku detailed his former efforts to address the educational issues that northern Nigeria was facing during his tenure under President Olusegun Obasanjo. He utilised his expertise as Vice President to support his claims. “The North has lagged in education for a considerable period.” I was there to accompany the President. In my statement, I stated, “I would like to establish an educational panel that will specifically focus on our states.” A panel was constituted under the direction of a foreign economist, who produced a blueprint, according to Atiku, who claimed that the panel was established. His invitation to Kaduna was extended to all of the governors of the northern states, and it was there that he delivered those blueprints for implementation. Significant educational programs that were adopted during the former vice president’s time in administration, such as the Universal Basic Education program, were highlighted by the former vice president. Not only did we succeed in passing the Universal Basic Education (UBE) bill, but we also made education obligatory for every child in Nigeria, ensuring that it is without cost from elementary school all the way through high school. We instituted a tax on educational expenses. We are in charge of collecting this tax. “We pass this tax on to the states,” he informed us.
