Peter Obi Donates ₦10 Million to Anambra School After Global Debate Win, Calls for Education Reform in Nigeria

 

Peter Obi Rewards Anambra School With ₦10 Million After Global Victory, Urges Education-Centered Development

A remarkable achievement by a group of Nigerian students has not only drawn national attention but also earned a significant reward from the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi. St. John Vienney Science College, Ukwulu in Anambra State, which clinched the top spot at an international UK-Nigeria debate competition held in June 2025, has been presented with a ₦10 million cheque by Obi, who lauded the institution's dedication to academic excellence.

Arriving at the school on Friday, Obi was visibly moved by the students' accomplishments. He took time to interact with them and their teachers, delivering a speech that resonated deeply with the values of intellectual pursuit and national progress. At the heart of his message was a powerful argument for greater investment in education as the foundation of a successful and sustainable society.

Obi emphasized that no nation could achieve meaningful development without prioritizing its human capital. Drawing comparisons with oil-rich Venezuela, he noted that wealth derived from natural resources alone does not equate to national prosperity. Knowledge, he argued, is the true wealth that drives innovation, governance, and growth.

“The biggest asset of any nation is its people, human capital. And the most meaningful investment is in education,” he stated. “If oil made a country rich, Venezuela would be the richest in the world. They have ten times more oil than Nigeria. But it’s not about oil, it’s about knowledge.”

This sentiment was echoed throughout his visit, as he challenged the prevailing norm where educational funding and support are treated as afterthoughts. For Obi, education must take precedence over celebratory and often superficial expenditures that do little to advance national development.

The ₦10 million donation to the school was presented in the form of a cheque, which he handed over in recognition of the school's exceptional performance. The debate competition had featured several elite schools from both the United Kingdom and Nigeria, yet St. John Vienney Science College emerged victorious, showcasing the strength of Nigerian intellect when given the right tools and environment.

Students and staff received the donation with gratitude and excitement, viewing it not only as a reward but as encouragement to aim even higher. The school's proprietor, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, was especially commended by Obi for his tireless efforts in building an institution that reflects values, discipline, and academic excellence. According to Obi, individuals like Fr. Obimma are doing the work government ought to be doing—raising future leaders through education.

“This is the problem with Nigeria, our leaders are too busy celebrating, consuming, and wasting everyone’s time. We thank God for people like you,” Obi said, directing his words to the priest. He stressed that without educators and visionaries working at the grassroots, the country’s youth would be left without direction or purpose.

Students who participated in the competition expressed their appreciation and shared how the support from their teachers and community inspired them to push boundaries. Many said the experience of competing internationally helped them realize the importance of knowledge and critical thinking in solving global challenges.

Throughout his address, Obi challenged government at all levels to shift focus from ceremonial leadership to developmental governance. He argued that the ongoing neglect of education, healthcare, and other vital sectors is responsible for Nigeria’s stunted progress. Rather than waiting for external solutions, he encouraged citizens to take initiative and build the kind of country they want to see.

The event ended with cheers from the students and staff, as well as a renewed sense of pride in their achievement. Obi’s gesture not only celebrated their victory but also sent a strong message to the nation: when education is prioritized, greatness follows.

The visit left many reflecting on what Nigeria could become if more leaders followed through with action rather than rhetoric. For the students of St. John Vienney Science College, it was a moment they will never forget—a celebration of their hard work, and a challenge to continue reaching for greatness.