Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Mr Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his longstanding advocacy for education as the cornerstone of national development, declaring that Nigeria’s future prosperity depends on knowledge, creativity, and skills rather than material wealth.
Obi made this statement on Wednesday via his verified X handle following a visit to Francis Cardinal Arinze Secondary School in Nkwelle Ezunaka, Anambra State, on Tuesday, January 13. During the visit, he engaged students in an interactive session focused on the evolving role of education in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Addressing the students, Obi stressed that modern development is no longer driven by physical assets such as land or buildings, but by ideas, innovation, and intellectual capacity. According to him, individuals and nations that prioritise knowledge acquisition and skill development are the ones positioned to succeed in the 21st century.
“The world is changing,” he noted, adding that “those who control knowledge are the ones who succeed, and nations that understand this reality will thrive.”
As a demonstration of his commitment to education, Obi announced a donation of ₦10 million to support the development of the school. He described the contribution as an investment in human capital rather than charity, insisting that education remains the most valuable tool for societal transformation.
“Education is not an expense; it is the best investment any society can make in its future and its people,” he said.
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Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, has consistently championed education reform and youth empowerment as central pillars for rebuilding Nigeria’s economy and governance structures. He reiterated his belief that a better country is achievable through deliberate investment in education.
“With education,” he concluded, “a new Nigeria is possible.”
The visit and donation have been welcomed by members of the school community, who described the gesture as timely encouragement for students navigating challenges within Nigeria’s education system.