Chinedum Treasure
Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has described education as most valuable global currency for competition.
He underscored the importance of investing in education, saying countries in future would be measured by their health and education, not oil or assets.
Obi spoke on Monday during the inaugural mass for the official opening of Shanahan University, Onitsha where he donated N50 million to Shanahan University, N10 million to School of Midwifery, Waterside, and N10 million to the School of Nursing Sciences at Borromeo Hospital.
He urged the students to prioritise their studies, encouraging those with intention to travel outside the country to do so.
His words, “Knowledge is next currency. Countries in future will be measured by their health and education, not oil or building or assets.
“It’s important we invest in knowledge and it’s more critical with you as nurses. You’re being searched for everywhere in the world because of shortages.
“I was telling Nigerian Nursing Council to stop delaying anybody approval to leave. I don’t believe in brain drain. We have 200million people, let’s educate them and allow those willing to leave to go.”
While stressing that the donations had no political coloration, Obi called on the institutions to continue admitting students, regardless of their denomination, tribe, or nationality
“We’re not making donations or charity or politics. I’ve said it severally, I’m not desperate to be the president, but desperate to see Nigeria work.
“I’m desperate to see a society where a child of nobody becomes somebody of celebration. I was once like you. I lived and schooled here.
“I grew up in a family that knows how to give and I know what it means to invest. We’re investing in you, not charity because you have opportunity of greatness,” he added.
Vice Chancellor of Shanahan University, Rev. Fr. Prof. Josephat Obi Oguejiofor,
lauded Obi for standing out among politicians, assuring that the University would soon become one of the greatest institutions in Nigeria.
“At present, we are constructing a 1,500-seater auditorium. I am also pleased to inform you that the Archbishop has granted a 50% scholarship on tuition fees for all students.
“I encourage all parishes to sponsor at least one underprivileged student as part of the Church’s mission to care for the poor.”
At both Waterside and Borromeo institutions, the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Fr. Basil Ekwunife, recalled Obi’s past contributions to rebuilding of the institutions and thanked him for his continued support, even after leaving office.
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