The Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Nile University, Abuja, Professor Jide Oladipo, recently hosted economist 'Tope Fasua for a lecture titled Public Debt Sustainability and Fiscal Responsibility in Nigeria. The event, part of the university's annual lecture series, drew a full hall of students, academics and doctoral candidates from diverse disciplines. Fasua addressed two central questions: whether Nigeria's national debt is sustainable and if the current administration is fiscally responsible. He argued that Nigeria's debt remains manageable, attributing recent increases in naira-denominated debt to the currency's depreciation rather than excessive borrowing by the present government. Fasua noted that the N30 trillion Ways and Means advances inherited from the previous administration contributed significantly to current debt figures. He stated that the Debt Management Office, established in 2000, has played a key role in maintaining debt discipline. The naira, after falling to N1,800 per dollar in 2024, has rebounded to around N1,370 to the dollar, according to Fasua.
Nigerian students and graduates should understand that public debt discussions directly affect future economic policies that could shape job markets, government spending on education, and national development priorities. Fasua's lecture at Nile University highlights how economic literacy is becoming increasingly important for young people navigating a complex financial landscape.
In a country where JAMB and WAEC often dominate education discourse, this event underscores the value of university platforms that expose students to real-world economic debates. When institutions like Nile University host critical policy conversations, they contribute to producing graduates who can think beyond exams and engage with national issues. For students, attending such lectures—whether in person or via recorded sessions—can build deeper understanding of how fiscal policies impact livelihoods. Those studying economics, public policy or social sciences should seek out similar academic events to broaden their perspectives.
