Labour Party (LP) national leader and presidential candidate in the February 25, 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi has donated N50m to the University on the Niger (UNINIGER), Umunya, at its take-off campus in Iyi-Enu, to support infrastructure development, and an additional N10m to the School of Nursing at Iyienu Mission Hospital, Ogidi.
In his remarks at the occasion, Obi noted that financial support to the health and education sectors, as well as for poverty reduction efforts, is not merely an expenditure but an investment in crucial areas that drive sustainable development.
“Our health and education sectors have continued to suffer from severe neglect and lack of government attention, leading to many dire consequences,” he explained.
Highlighting the specific challenges facing the health sector, Mr. Obi noted that it is burdened not only by funding gaps and infrastructure deficits but also by a significant shortage of healthcare professionals across the country.
“We are currently facing a shortage of doctors and nurses, far below WHO’s recommendations,” he said. “The solution to this critical shortage lies in investing more aggressively in the training of healthcare professionals nationwide.”
He expressed his belief that investments like these form the foundation of future development strides.
Addressing the students, he encouraged them to remain committed to their studies and moral development, reminding them that the value of their qualifications lies in both academic and character excellence.
In his remarks, the Anglican Bishop on the Niger, Bishop Owen Nwokolo, who oversees the schools, recalled how Obi revitalised education in the state by returning schools to the Church and supporting them thereafter.
He expressed deep gratitude to Mr. Obi and commended his dedication to uplifting crucial areas such as education, healthcare, and empowerment.
Bishop Nwokolo noted that Iyienu School of Nursing was one of the first institutions to benefit from Obi’s interventions when he was Governor, which enabled them to gain accreditation, adding that the school has continued to receive his support long after his tenure.
In his own remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the School, Prof. Nebo described Obi as “one man who understands the importance of education and has continued to apply himself commendably to that cause.”
He recalled Obi’s devotion to education during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State, saying his efforts in that direction awakened the entire South East need to pay attention to education, which has led the Eastern States to rank among the best in the nation.
Speaking at the event, a medical student of the institution, Mr. Ikenna Offor, shared his joy at being part of it, saying, “I’ve heard so much about Mr. Obi, but this was my first time seeing him. It’s amazing to witness the generosity of this great man. Since joining this school, I’ve learned that it was his intervention that made possible two student hostels, House Officers’ quarters, the theatre complex, offices, classrooms, the accident and emergency building, the amenity ward, staff quarters, and the live ambulances. We thank him deeply for his support and hope he continues visiting us.”
