Journalist and former presidential aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, has come under criticism following a controversial statement suggesting that students from Kebbi State receive university admissions despite lower academic scores.
In a recent broadcast, Abati said, “A boy from Anambra will score over 300 in JAMB and be denied admission, while someone scoring 100 from Kebbi will sail into university and rise to permanent secretary or Supreme Court judge.”
The comment has sparked strong backlash, with many accusing Abati of making an unfair generalization that discredits the achievements of Kebbi indigenes in education and public service.
One of the most vocal responses came from Shamsu Aliero, a public affairs analyst and Kebbi native, who described the remark as “a mix of misinformation, tribal prejudice, and a serious insult to the legacy of Kebbi State.”
Aliero stressed that Kebbi has produced distinguished professionals, including legal experts, senior civil servants, and scholars, who earned their positions through merit.
“Your comment is not only inaccurate, it’s irresponsible journalism. It promotes ethnic division and damages national unity,” he said.
He called on Abati to retract the statement and issue a public apology to the people of Kebbi and Northern Nigeria.
Aliero warned that failure to do so might prompt legal or civil action.
“The people of Kebbi will not accept attempts to diminish their reputation or contributions to national progress,” he added.