UNINIGER, Nursing School Receive N60M from Obi

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Mr. Peter Obi, 2nd from left, presenting a cheque of N50m to the University on the Niger for their continued improvement.

By Jude Atupulazi

In his ongoing commitment to investing in critical areas that drive development, Health Education, and poverty reduction, Mr. Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 Election, has donated 50 million Naira to the University on the Niger (UNINIGER), Umunya, at their take-off campus in Iyi-Enu, to support infrastructure development. He also provided an additional 10 million Naira to the School of Nursing at Iyienu Mission Hospital, Ogidi.

During his visit, Mr. Obi shared his view that financial support for Health, Education, and poverty reduction efforts was not merely expenditure, but rather an investment in crucial areas that drove sustainable development.

‘Our Health and Education Sectors have continued to suffer from severe neglect and lack of government attention, leading to many dire consequences,’ he explained.

Highlighting the specific challenges facing the Health Sector, Mr. Obi noted 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,’ he said, noting that the solution to the critical shortage lay in investing more aggressively in the training of healthcare professionals nationwide.’

He expressed his belief that investments like those, formed 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 lay 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 deep gratitude to Mr. Obi and commended his dedication to uplifting crucial areas such as education, healthcare, and empowerment.

Bishop Nwokolo 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 had continued to receive his support long after his tenure.

In his own remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the School, Prof. Nebo, said that Obi was one man who understood the importance of education and had continued to apply himself commendably to that cause. He remarked that Obi’s devotion to education during his tenure as governor awakened the entire South East to pay attention to education, which, he said, had led the Eastern States to rank among the best in the nation.

Speaking at the event, a medical student of the institution, Mr. Ikenna Offor, shared his joy at being part of it, saying, ‘I’ve heard so much about Mr. Obi, but this is my first time seeing him. It’s amazing to witness the generosity of this great man.

Since joining this school, I’ve learned that it was his intervention that made possible two student hostels, house officers’ quarters, the theatre complex, offices, classrooms, the accident and emergency building, the amenity ward, staff quarters, and the live ambulances. We thank him deeply for his support and hope he continues visiting us.’

Mr. Obi was accompanied by Professor Stella Okunna.

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