Fuel Subsidy Removal and Healthcare Affordability: Evidence from Academic Staff in Nigeria’s Public Universities

This study assessed the impact of fuel subsidy removal on healthcare affordability among academic staff in Nigeria’s public universities. Using the Health Belief Model and the Social Determinants of Health framework, the study examined affordability, access barriers, and behavioral responses through Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests. Results show a significant decline in healthcare utilization post-subsidy, particularly among low-income and uninsured staff. Key barriers include transportation costs, drug shortages, lack of insurance, and long distances to health facilities. Gender and employment status also influenced affordability. The findings highlight deepened inequities in access due to economic strain. The study recommends expanding insurance coverage, providing transportation support, decentralizing health services, and deploying mobile clinics within university campuses to enhance access and equity.