With the use of qualitative method, the study ascertains how high cost of transportation, increase in cost of living, and depreciation of disposable income have affected staff attendance and general work performance. Data were sourced from academic and non-academic staff via the instrument of structured interviews in selected higher institutions across Yobe State.

The findings of the study indicate that the policy has caused significant financial challenges, which is manifested in ways like inconsistent attendance, high stress levels, and drastic reduction in efficiency on the job. Further findings reveal inadequate institutional support for mitigating the impact of subsidy removal.

In line with the major findings, the study argues that the institution, state or federal government should have intervened with institutional incentives such as transportation support to mitigate the effects of the policy, together with long-term policy plans to cushion the socio-economic challenges faced by these staff.

This study adds to the wider discourse on the socio-economic effects of subsidy removal and recommends pragmatic measures for policymakers and the government.