Atiku Abubakar Defends Educational Initiatives Amid Criticism

On September 4, Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), responded to criticism regarding his efforts to address child begging in Northern Nigeria. A user on X, @Oluwabunmi63697, questioned Atiku's contributions during his tenure as Vice President from 1999 to 2007, highlighting a photograph of children begging on the streets.

Atiku acknowledged the issue but asserted that his investments in education and vulnerable children are significant. He pointed to the establishment of the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola, which he founded after creating ABTI Academy in 2002.

AUN was licensed in 2003, with construction starting in 2004 and the first students admitted in 2005/2006. Atiku clarified that AUN is not a family-owned institution, having signed a deed of gift transferring it to the community.

He also mentioned the Feed and Read programme as part of his broader efforts to support vulnerable children.