Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has donated the sum of ₦10 million to students of Malikiya College of Nursing Sciences as part of efforts to support healthcare education in Nigeria.
The donation was made during his recent visit to Bauchi State, where he interacted with students and management of the institution. Obi, who has consistently advocated for increased investment in critical sectors such as health and education, stressed the importance of strengthening the country’s healthcare system through human capital development.
Speaking during the visit, he highlighted the vital role nurses play in sustaining the nation’s health sector, noting that no healthcare system can function effectively without well-trained and supported nursing professionals. He encouraged the students to remain committed to their studies and professional development, assuring them that their contributions would be crucial to improving healthcare delivery across the country.
In addition to the ₦10 million donation to the nursing college, Obi also extended his support to other educational causes within the state, including a ₦5 million contribution to a Qur’anic school. The combined donations, amounting to ₦15 million.
Obi further reiterated that investing in education, particularly in health-related fields, is one of the most effective ways to drive national growth and reduce poverty. According to him, empowering young people with the right knowledge and resources will not only benefit individuals but also strengthen institutions and communities.
While the ₦10 million given to the nursing college has been widely reported, it is important to clarify that the funds were presented as a donation to support the institution and its students, rather than a structured scholarship scheme.
The gesture has since drawn attention from stakeholders in the education and health sectors, many of whom have commended the move as timely, especially amid ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system, including workforce shortages and funding gaps.