Return of schools to missionaries revolutionized education in Anambra - Peter Obi

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By Madu Obi

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi has said that the return of schools to the missionaries during his tenure as governor of Anambra State revolutionized education in the state.

Speaking during the formal opening of the permanent site of the University on the Niger at Umunya in Oyi local government area of Anambra State, Obi said that singular act revitalized the people's faith in investment in education.

“The return of schools to the Church was a milestone in rebuilding our education system. It renewed the confidence of both the Catholic and Anglican communities, inspiring them to lift education to great heights and eventually led to establishing new universities in Anambra State.

These institutions have since played a significant role in advancing human capital development in the state and beyond,

My support for this institution and others like it will remain unwavering. I believe in education as a transformative force, and I am committed to contributing in any way I can to ensure our youths have access to quality learning," he remarked.

Affirming his commitment to supporting the newly established University on the Niger, Obi emphasized his enduring belief in education as a tool for human and societal development.

He commended the Bishop of the Diocese on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, for his foresight in establishing the university, describing it as a beacon of hope for the future.

In his address, the Primate of the Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, lauded Bishop Owen Nwokolo (the Proprietor of the university) for his initiative and courage in founding the institution and called on people of goodwill to support the university to actualize its vision for the benefit and betterment of society.

Former Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning and Peter Obi's Chief of Staff, and current Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University Awka, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna who accompanied Peter Obi to the event, expressed joy at the landmark development.

She recalled that, as governor, Obi's insistence on returning the land (on which the university is now sited) to the Church after the relocation of the NYSC camp from there to Mbaukwu/Umuawulu which Obi started its construction, was the genesis of what was being celebrated.

She also highlighted the critical role Peter Obi played in preparing the institution’s infrastructure, especially through his efforts in upgrading Iyienu Hospital that contributed in making it possible for its emergence as the university’s teaching hospital.

“Some of the infrastructure at Iyienu Hospital today bear testimony to Mr. Obi’s relentless commitment to healthcare and education through his revolutionary 'Government-Church Partnership.

During his tenure as governor, he invested heavily in the hospital's facilities, and even after leaving office, he has not relented in supporting its growth,” she remarked.

The highlight of the event was the commissioning of several completed projects by the Primate.