Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has explained why he continues to donate funds to educational institutions, particularly those training healthcare professionals.
Obi, who has consistently visited and supported schools across Nigeria since leaving office, on Wednesday donated N15 million to the College of Nursing Sciences, Adazi Nnukwu, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.
He stated that his lifelong purpose is to uplift humanity, noting that improving healthcare and education is key to enhancing life expectancy in Nigeria.
“Life must have purpose. Mine is to support people and uplift humanity. I support schools because improving health outcomes starts with investing in human capital. Nurses are at the heart of this investment,” he said.
“Nigeria’s life expectancy is currently about 54 years, among the lowest globally. We must do better.”
Obi commended the Proprietor of the College and Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, whom he said played a major role in securing accreditations for health institutions during his tenure as governor.
He recalled that when he assumed office in 2006, most nursing, midwifery and medical laboratory schools in the state lacked accreditation, prompting him to partner with the Church to upgrade the institutions.
Obi also visited the Practicing Nursery and Primary School, Agulu, which was destroyed by fire in December 2024. The headmistress, Comrade Eucharia Egwuonwu, lamented that the school has remained abandoned, forcing children to learn under difficult conditions.
Obi assured that he would support the rebuilding of the school, with reconstruction expected to begin in January 2026, to provide a conducive learning environment for the pupils.
Earlier, Acting Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences, Mrs. Chibugo Okafor, appreciated Obi for his consistent support, describing his visits as a source of motivation for both staff and students.