Peter Obi Extends ₦15 Million Lifeline to Bauchi Educational Institutions, Strengthening Nursing and Quranic Studies

 

A strong commitment to education and healthcare development resonated in Bauchi when Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, extended a total donation of ₦15 million to two prominent learning institutions. His visit underscored a message of national development driven by human capital investment, with a focus on nurturing future healthcare workers and promoting Quranic education.

The donation was shared between Malikiya College of Nursing Sciences and Intisharu Taufizul Quranic School, with ₦10 million directed toward the nursing college and ₦5 million granted to the Quranic school. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that this contribution is part of Obi’s ongoing personal initiative to support critical sectors in Nigeria, especially education and healthcare.

Addressing students and staff at Malikiya College of Nursing Sciences, Obi delivered a heartfelt speech on the indispensable role nurses play in society. His words highlighted the urgency of empowering medical professionals who form the backbone of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

“You are very important to the society, you are very important to this country called Nigeria and if there is anything we can do to support what you are doing, we need to do it,” Obi affirmed, as he encouraged the students to see themselves as key agents of change. He further stressed that the health of a nation is a direct indicator of its progress and that no health system can thrive without dedicated human resources.

For Obi, the nurse stands at the core of patient care. He emphasized that nurses are often the closest link to patients, understanding their needs and monitoring their recovery journeys more intimately than anyone else in the healthcare system. “The nurse knows the patient, the nurse owns the patient, the nurse is everything,” he remarked, underscoring his belief that investment in nursing education is an investment in the nation’s future.

His generosity to Malikiya College is not an isolated act. The Labour Party stalwart revealed that he has visited and supported about 70 nursing schools annually as part of a personal mission to uplift healthcare training across Nigeria. This dedication aligns with his broader vision of addressing the nation’s pressing social challenges through consistent and targeted investment in human capital.

During his visit to Intisharu Taufizul Quranic School, Obi acknowledged the cultural and spiritual importance of Quranic education in many Nigerian communities. The ₦5 million donation, he said, was aimed at helping the school enhance its learning environment, improve facilities, and continue its mission of imparting religious and moral values to its students.

Education, according to Obi, is not limited to secular or professional training. He noted that moral and spiritual grounding plays a vital role in shaping responsible citizens who can contribute positively to the country’s progress. By supporting both a nursing college and a Quranic school, Obi demonstrated an inclusive approach to national development, recognizing the significance of both professional and faith-based education.

The proprietors of both institutions, Aminu Danmaliki of Malikiya College of Nursing Sciences and Alhaji Usman Abubakar of Intisharu Taufizul Quranic School, expressed deep appreciation for Obi’s generosity. They assured him and the public that the funds would be utilized transparently and strategically to address pressing needs in the schools. Danmaliki noted that the financial support would enhance teaching resources and improve the quality of training for aspiring nurses, while Abubakar said the Quranic school would channel the funds toward facility upgrades and improved learning materials for students.

Bauchi residents and education stakeholders have also praised the gesture, seeing it as a positive step toward addressing the funding gaps in Nigeria’s education system. Many acknowledged that such targeted interventions can have a transformative impact, particularly in regions where educational institutions operate with limited resources.

Obi’s visit to Bauchi reflects a broader narrative about leadership that goes beyond political campaigns. His approach continues to blend advocacy with tangible action, showing that addressing Nigeria’s challenges requires not only policy vision but also direct community engagement. Supporters see his consistent donations to educational institutions as evidence of his commitment to nation-building, regardless of political office.

As conversations about Nigeria’s future continue, Obi’s actions stand as a reminder that meaningful change often begins with grassroots support. Whether through empowering healthcare workers in training or supporting institutions that preserve moral and cultural education, such contributions help lay the foundation for a healthier, more educated, and more united society.

For the nursing students in Bauchi, the ₦10 million support may translate into better learning tools, enhanced training programs, and ultimately, more competent graduates ready to serve in hospitals and clinics across the nation. For the pupils of the Quranic school, the ₦5 million injection of funds promises an improved learning environment that fosters discipline, scholarship, and community values.

Peter Obi’s message during the visit was clear: a nation’s progress is deeply rooted in its investment in people. His donations in Bauchi represent more than just financial assistance, they are a call to action for leaders, institutions, and citizens to prioritize the empowerment of those who shape the country’s future.