Peter Obi Donates ₦10m to Tansian University, Reaffirms Commitment to Education and Human Capital Development

 

Peter Obi speaking with management and students during his visit to Tansian University, where he reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening education and announced a ₦10 million donation.

Former presidential candidate and former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has restated his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s education sector through sustained investment in human capital development. Obi made the pledge on Thursday, 13 November, during a visit to Tansian University, Umunya, where he was received warmly by the institution’s management, staff, and students.

The visit, which drew significant attention within the university community, offered an opportunity for Obi to interact directly with academic leaders and young Nigerians preparing for careers across various disciplines. Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bonaventure Anaeto welcomed Obi and commended him for his longstanding relationship with the university. Prof. Anaeto highlighted the series of contributions Obi has made over the years—both during and after his tenure as governor—particularly acknowledging his major donations, including the one made in March 2025 and the additional ₦10 million contribution he announced yesterday.

Obi expressed satisfaction that one of the key projects he supported at the institution—the establishment of the School of Nursing—has continued to yield concrete results. According to the management, the school has now been officially recognized as an examination centre by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, a milestone that places Tansian University among the select institutions empowered to conduct professional examinations for nursing students. Obi described this achievement as evidence of what purposeful investment in education can produce, noting that when institutions are strengthened, the entire nation benefits.

During his interaction with the management team, Obi was also briefed on additional needs within the university, particularly in areas relating to students’ academic development, infrastructural improvement, and spiritual formation. In response, he assured them of his continued willingness to support projects that directly impact the learning environment and the wellbeing of students. He emphasized that his passion for education remains rooted in the conviction that no nation can develop beyond the quality of its human capital.

Addressing students of the university, Obi delivered a message centered on the importance of critical thinking, civic responsibility, and the urgent need to elevate Nigeria’s human development indicators. He reminded them that great nations are built by citizens who question systems, demand accountability, and participate actively in shaping their society. According to him, education should go beyond the pursuit of certificates; it should empower individuals to understand governance, challenge failures, and contribute meaningfully to national progress.

Referencing the recent remark by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who described Nigeria as “disgraced,” Obi urged students not to internalize or amplify such negative labels. He stressed that the destiny of Nigeria does not depend on the perceptions of foreign leaders but on the actions of Nigerians themselves. He advised young people to avoid joining those who constantly demean the country for political or personal reasons. Instead, he encouraged them to remain steadfast in building a nation that commands respect on the global stage. The former governor remarked that citizens must ask tough questions about government performance, policy implementation, and the welfare of the general populace, especially at a time when poverty and insecurity remain major challenges.

Obi further emphasized that leadership must ultimately be about people—about improving lives, expanding opportunities, and creating systems that outlive political cycles. To illustrate this, he shared a personal testimony from a friend in London who received medical care from nurses trained in institutions supported during Obi’s administration in Anambra. He noted that such stories highlight the far-reaching impact of proper investment in education. “These are the stories I want to hear,” he told the audience. “Not stories of citizens being given money to vote and thereby selling their future.”

He condemned the widespread practice of vote-buying, describing it as one of the most destructive habits undermining Nigeria’s democratic growth. According to him, when citizens allow themselves to be influenced by financial inducements during election seasons, they inadvertently compromise their ability to hold leaders accountable. Obi maintained that true progress can only come when Nigerians choose leaders based on character, competence, and capacity—not on temporary financial gain.

In his concluding remarks, Obi reaffirmed that Nigeria is not “disgraced” because of foreign criticism but becomes so only when the country fails to invest in its youth, education, and future. He insisted that with adequate attention to education and human development, Nigeria can reverse its challenges and reclaim its position as a leading nation in Africa and beyond.

The visit ended with expressions of gratitude from the Tansian University community, who described Obi’s contribution as a significant boost to their mission of academic excellence. Many students also expressed admiration for his message of hope, responsibility, and national renewal.