Peter Obi has said that Nigeria fails itself whenever its leaders neglect education and human capital development, while urging young people to challenge the actions and inactions of the government.
He made the statement during a visit to Tansian University on Thursday, where he was welcomed by the institution’s management, staff, and students.
Obi thanked Prof. Bonaventure Anaeto, who represented the vice chancellor, for recognising his previous contributions to the university, which included an earlier donation in March and his latest ₦10 million support.
He said he was pleased to hear that the School of Nursing he helped the university establish had now been certified as an official examination centre of the Nursing Council.
He explained that the institution asked for more support to strengthen the academic and spiritual life of its students and assured them that his assistance would continue.
Obi told the students that every serious nation is built on critical thinking, civic duty, and long-term investment in human beings who can break the cycle of poverty.
He referenced a recent comment by former United States President Donald Trump describing Nigeria as disgraced and urged the students not to become part of the voices that demean the country.
He said they must instead hold the government accountable by demanding answers on what has been done and what Tinubu’s government has refused to do.
“I reminded the students that nations are built on critical thinking, civic responsibility, and deliberate investment in human capital, especially when such investment lifts people out of poverty,” he said.
He stressed that leadership must always be judged by how it improves people’s lives rather than by political dealings that manipulate citizens.
Obi narrated how a friend in London recently received medical attention from nurses trained in schools he supported during his time as governor of Anambra State.
He said this is the kind of outcome he prefers to see rather than “stories of citizens being paid to vote during electioneering, thus mortgaging their future.”
Obi told the students that Nigeria’s disgrace is not defined by outside voices but by its refusal to invest in its young population.
“Nigeria is not disgraced because others say so; we disgrace ourselves when we fail to invest in the next generation,” he said.
He concluded by assuring the students that a better Nigeria can still emerge through commitment to education and responsible leadership.
Reactions on social media showed widespread praise for his message and his continued investments in human capital development.
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