Former Anambra State Governor,, Peter Obi, has called on alumni associations across Nigeria to invest in their former schools, saying collective support can transform the country’s education system and reduce the burden on government.
Obi made the appeal in a post shared on his X account on Saturday after visiting the College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu, where he commended the school’s alumni association for executing major development projects.
According to him, education remains the most valuable investment any society can make, stressing that Nigerians who benefited from primary, secondary and tertiary education have a responsibility to give back to the institutions that shaped their lives.
Reflecting on his visit to the college on Friday, Obi praised the leadership of the College Alumni Association President, Dr. Valentine Ozoigbo, for mobilising former students to improve the school through self-help projects.
He said he was impressed by the scale of infrastructure already completed and those still under construction.
“This is what I have continued to preach: we must give back to society. Those of us who passed through primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions have a responsibility to invest in them and remember the schools that helped shape our lives,” Obi said.
He added: “I was immensely impressed by the alumni’s efforts under Dr Valentine Ozoigbo’s leadership. I saw impressive projects, including a multipurpose hall, a dormitory complex, a sports complex, and an ongoing five-storey staff quarters building. They are already planning their next project. This is a worthy example of what collective commitment and generosity can achieve. I pledge to be part of their STEM project.”
The former Anambra State governor urged alumni bodies across the country to emulate the example set by the CIC alumni, noting that meaningful contributions do not always require personal wealth.
“I encourage alumni of other institutions across Nigeria to emulate this example. We do not have to be immensely wealthy to make a difference. Through collective effort and regular contributions, we can improve our former schools, provide better facilities, and create opportunities for future generations. If alumni embrace this responsibility, our schools would be better equipped, and the burden on the government would be reduced,” he stated.
Obi also addressed students during the visit, encouraging them to remain focused on their education, embrace discipline and work hard to achieve success.
“I encouraged the students to take their studies seriously, remain disciplined, and work hard. I reminded them that, with commitment and determination, they too can become successful in life. I also urged them to respect their teachers, maintain good relationships with them, and appreciate their guidance, even after graduation,” he said.
He further appreciated the teachers for their commitment to education and for maintaining discipline and cleanliness within the school.
“I thanked the teachers for their dedication, particularly their efforts in maintaining the cleanliness of the school and the evident discipline among the students,” Obi added.
The former presidential candidate has consistently advocated increased investment in education, healthcare and poverty reduction, arguing that Nigeria’s future depends on developing its human capital. His latest appeal comes as many public schools across the country continue to grapple with inadequate infrastructure and limited funding.
Obi ended the message with his familiar slogan: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
