AWKAll – Former Governor of Anambra State and Presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 general election on Thursday donated N60 million to University on the Niger (UNINIGER) in his ongoing commitment to investing in critical areas that drive development, health education, and poverty reduction.
Obi, on a visit to the University donated N50 million at its take-off campus in Umunya and additional N10 million to its School of Nursing, Iyi-Enu Mission Hospital Ogidi to support its infrastructure development.
He said at the occasion that financial support for health, education, and poverty reduction efforts is not merely expenditure, but rather an investment in crucial areas that drive sustainable development.
According to him, “Our health and education sectors have continued to suffer from severe neglect and lack of government attention, leading to many dire consequences.”
Highlighting the specific challenges facing the health sector, 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, adding: “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.”
He expressed his belief that investments like these form the foundation of future developmental 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, Most Rev. Owen Nwokolo, who oversees the schools, recalled how Obi revitalised education in the state by returning schools to the Church and supporting them thereafter.
Bishop Nwokolo expressed deep gratitude to Obi and commended his dedication to uplifting crucial areas such as education, healthcare, and empowerment.
He 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, and it has continued to receive his support long after his tenure.
In his own remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Chinedu Nebo said that Obi is one man who understands the importance of education and has continued to apply himself commendably to that cause.
He noted that 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.
Alsi speaking at the event, a medical student of the institution, Mr. Ikenna Offor expressed 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”#
Photo: Obi presenting the cheque
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