Educational Development: Obi Donates ₦10m to Support Anambra School

By Praise Chinecherem

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has restated that Nigeria’s system is so poorly structured that people’s intellectual capacity and talents often do not match the opportunities available to them.

He made this known on Tuesday, during a visit to Francis Cardinal Arinze Secondary School, Nkwelle Ezunaka, in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, where he presented a cheque of ₦10 million to the school in support of its educational development.

Speaking to the students, Obi emphasized that his donation was rooted in his belief that education remains the strongest instrument for national transformation and personal success.

He stressed that investing in education is not charity, but a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria.

The interaction witnessed a question from a student, Miss Ifechukwu Blessing Boniface, who asked how young people could thrive in a society where merit is often sacrificed to favouritism and jobs are given to those with powerful connections.

She noted that such practices discourage hard work and undermine the value of education.

Responding, Obi told the students that education makes people job creators, not job seekers, even in a flawed system.

He admitted that Nigeria does not sufficiently support intellectual capacity, where talent and opportunity should naturally meet, but insisted that knowledge remains the strongest tool for independence, relevance, and success.

Drawing from his own experience, Obi said he had never worked for anyone, and that everything he had achieved as a former governor, bank chairman, and presidential aspirant was built on the foundation of education.

He further explained that the future belongs to the educated, noting that the world is now knowledge-driven and that ideas are valued more than property or material wealth.

According to him, the richest people today are those who possess knowledge, creativity, and skills. He recalled his academic journey from primary and secondary school in Onitsha to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and stressed that education has the power to transform both individuals and society.

Obi lamented that Nigeria’s slow progress is closely linked to inadequate emphasis on education, as many people still rely more on money and “magic” than on knowledge and innovation.

He assured the students that he would continue to support education at all levels, describing it as the foundation of societal development and sustainable national growth.

Earlier, Principal of the school, Bro Emeka Maduka, commended Obi for his consistent commitment to education and recalled his previous visits, including during the 50th anniversary of the Brothers of St. Stephen, the congregation that runs the school.

Caption for the picture
Peter Obi presenting a ₦10 million cheque to Francis Cardinal Arinze Secondary School, Nkwelle Ezunaka, in support of educational development.