By: Mandy Park
Former, Anambra State governor and Labour Party (LP) flagbearer in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has donated N50 million to the University on the Niger (UNINIGER), Umunya, at its take-off campus in Iyi-Enu, and N10 million to the School of Nursing at Iyienu Mission Hospital, Ogidi.
This is as he disclosed that the country was facing shortage of doctors and nurses far below WHO’s recommendations.
The money is to support human and infrastructure development in both institutions.
During the visit, Obi explained that financial support for health, education, and poverty reduction efforts was not merely expenditure, but an investment in crucial areas that drive sustainable development.
Said Obi: “Our health and education sectors have continued to suffer from severe neglect and lack of government attention, leading to many dire consequences.”
On the challenges facing the health sector, he lamented that it was 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.
“The solution to this critical shortage lies in investing more aggressively in the training of healthcare professionals nationwide,” he noted.
He said that his investments in education and health form the foundation of future developmental strides.
Obi also advised the students 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 gratitude to Obi and commended his dedication to uplifting crucial areas such as education, healthcare, and empowerment.
Bishop Nwokolo also disclosed 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 school, Prof. Nebo, described Obi as a man who understands the importance of education and has continued to apply himself commendably to that cause.
He said 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.
Obi was accompanied by Professor Stella Okunna.
