The National Union of Bauchi State Students (NUBASS) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have criticized remarks made by Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed regarding Seyi Tinubu’s food distribution to Bauchi residents.
Shamsudeen had earlier urged Seyi Tinubu not to offer Bauchi youths plates of cooked rice during Ramadan, stating, “Please, we, the youths of Bauchi, don’t need rice and food in nylon bags during Ramadan. Teach our youths how to fish, rather than feeding them for one day. They are not beggars.”
Reacting to this, NANS Senate President, Usman Nagwaza, rebuked Shamsudeen, arguing that instead of criticizing Seyi Tinubu—a private citizen with no executive powers—he should call on his father, Governor Bala Mohammed, to create job opportunities for the youth.
During a press briefing, NUBASS acknowledged that Shamsudeen raised a “valid and fundamental issue,” stressing that governance should not be replaced by politically motivated handouts. They emphasized that Nigerian youths need sustainable solutions, not temporary distractions.
The students also criticized NANS for applauding the son of a sitting president for distributing cooked food, arguing that such gestures do little to empower the youth.
“What exactly does this achieve? It does not create jobs. It does not provide capital for businesses. It does not give young people skills or opportunities,” they questioned.
They further stated that the country’s future cannot be built on one-time food distributions, advocating instead for sustainable empowerment through business capital, education, and long-term employment opportunities.
