Anambra Govt Defends Governor Soludo’s Decision to Educate Daughter in UK University

By Rose Obi

The Anambra State Government has defended Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s decision to send his daughter, Oduko Soludo, to study in the United Kingdom, insisting that a parent’s educational choice should not be mistaken for a lack of confidence in Nigeria’s education system.

The defence comes amid public debate following Oduko’s graduation with a First Class Honours degree in Neuroscience from the University of Nottingham, with critics questioning why the governor’s daughter studied abroad despite his administration’s emphasis on strengthening education in Anambra State.

In a statement issued on Friday, Governor Soludo’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Daniel Ezeigwe, argued that decisions on where a child studies are personal family matters shaped by academic considerations rather than political symbolism.

“It is neither fair nor logical to conclude that a public official who supports improvements in Nigeria must be prohibited from making personal decisions that he or she believes are in the best interest of family members,” Ezeigwe said.

According to him, parents typically weigh factors such as the availability of specialised programmes, institutional strengths, research facilities, international exposure and long-term career prospects before choosing a university.

He noted that Neuroscience is a highly specialised discipline that demands advanced laboratories, cutting-edge research opportunities and multidisciplinary learning environments, adding that selecting a university renowned for excellence in the field should not be interpreted as a rejection of Nigerian universities.

Ezeigwe further maintained that exposing young Nigerians to global academic opportunities while investing in local institutions are complementary goals, not conflicting ones.

“National development is strengthened when citizens gain global exposure while governments continue investing in stronger local institutions,” he stated.

The governor’s aide argued that the Soludo administration should be judged by its education policies and measurable achievements rather than the personal educational decisions of members of the governor’s family.

He urged the public to focus on issues such as school funding, teacher development, educational infrastructure, innovation, research support and improved learning outcomes when assessing the administration’s commitment to education.

Congratulating Oduko Soludo on her academic success, Ezeigwe described her First Class Honours degree as an outstanding accomplishment deserving of celebration.

He also called on Nigerians to continue advocating sustained investment in the country’s education sector, stressing that recognising individual academic excellence and strengthening Nigeria’s universities can—and should—go hand in hand.