Former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi on Thursday donated N50million to the University on the Niger (UNINIGER), Umunya, Anambra State.
He also provided additional N10 million to the School of Nursing at Iyienu Mission Hospital, Ogidi.
Speaking at the institution’s take-off campus in Iyi-Enu, Obi said the gesture was part of his ongoing commitment to investing in critical areas that drive development.
He argued that financial support for health, education, and poverty reduction efforts was not merely 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, Obi, Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election said, “it is burdened not only by funding gaps and infrastructure deficits but also by significant shortage of healthcare professionals across the country.
“We are currently facing a shortage of doctors and nurses, far below WHO’s recommendations. The solution to this critical shortage lies in investing more aggressively in the training of healthcare professionals nationwide.
“Investments like these form the foundation of future developmental strides,” he added.
Addressing the students, Obi who was accompanied by Prof Stella Okunna encouraged them to remain committed to their studies and moral development, reminding them that the value of their qualifications depended on both academic and character excellence.
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 gratitude to Mr. Obi and commended his dedication to uplifting crucial areas such as education, healthcare, and empowerment.
Vice Chancellor of the School, Prof. Nebo described Obi as one man that understands the importance of education and has continued to apply himself commendably to that cause.
“Obi’s devotion to education during his tenure as governor awakened the entire South East to pay attention to education, which has led the Eastern states to rank among the best in the nation,” he said.
