How lecturers, teachers bought cars, houses during my govt – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says lecturers and teachers lived a decent and comfortable life during his administration.

He said this was made possible because his administration invested heavily in the education system.

Obasanjo said the lecturers and teachers could confortably afford to buy cars and houses through his govt jumbo allowance.

The former president made the disclosure on Tuesday while speaking at the Education summit the House of Representatives organised.

Obasanjo, who was president from 1999-2007, said the teachers christened the jumbo allowance “Gbemu Aremu”.

Obasanjo’s middle name is Aremu, while ‘Gbemu’ is a Yoruba word that means manna.

While responding to questions on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Obasanjo said his administration was good to lecturers and even teachers.

He said: “In my time, we had it. And if any government had done anything for ASUU, my government did. They all started buying cars and building houses. Even primary schools teachers started buying cars. They called it ‘Gbemu Aremu.’”

Speaking further, the former president said Nigeria must tackle the issue of high out-of-school children before they become the next Boko Haram.

He disclosed that over 20 million children are out of school, and their inability to secure skills could make them susceptible to joining extremist groups.