By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has shared the motivation behind his ongoing nationwide support for schools, particularly those training healthcare professionals.
On Wednesday, Obi donated N15 million to the College of Nursing Sciences, Adazi Nnukwu, explaining that his life is dedicated to a singular purpose: uplifting humanity through education and healthcare.
“I believe that life must have a purpose, and my own purpose is to give support to people as a way to uplift humanity.
“I go around Nigeria supporting schools because it is critical for us. The number one measurement index of life in the world today is life expectancy.
“We need to invest in health, and nurses are the human capital we need for this investment,” Obi said during the visit.
He expressed concern over Nigeria’s low life expectancy, pointing out that the country’s current average of 54 years ranks among the lowest worldwide.
“That is why I’m going about and making donations in my own little way,” he added, emphasising the importance of building a healthier and more productive society.
Obi also praised the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, the proprietor of the college, for his contributions to nursing education in the state.
“The bishop has done much in this school. When I became governor in 2006, no single school of nursing, medical laboratory or midwifery college was accredited,” Obi recalled.
“So, I approached the church and begged them to help us in this area, and we supported them. Today, this place has grown so big and impactful.”
During his visit, Obi also went to the Practising Nursery and Primary School, Agulu, in Anaocha Local Government Area, which was destroyed by fire in December 2024.
According to the headmistress, Eucharia Egwuonwu, the school has remained in ruins since the fire, forcing many parents to withdraw their children.
“The school has been abandoned since the fire incident. The pupils now study under harsh weather without a roof. Many parents have withdrawn their children because of the situation,” Obi said.
In response, Obi pledged to support the rebuilding of the school, adding that construction would begin in January 2026 to provide the pupils with a suitable learning environment.
“We cannot allow children to learn under such harsh conditions. By January next year, work will begin to give them a befitting place to learn from,” he said.