By George Ozalla
One of the frontline presidential candidates in next year’s general election under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, has called for deliberate investment in education and healthcare, saying the two sectors are critical to achieving sustainable development and improving the quality of life of Nigerians.
Obi made the call on Saturday, August 15, 2026, when he visited Grimard College of Nursing Sciences, Ayingba, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, where he contributed ₦10 million towards the establishment of a Skills Laboratory Centre for the institution.
The visit was also a continuation of Obi’s support for the college, which he said had faced a threat to its accreditation a few years ago because it lacked a bus needed to convey students to clinical placement centres.
He recalled that following his intervention and the subsequent provision of a school bus, the institution was able to retain its accreditation and continue its role in training nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Obi expressed satisfaction that the intervention had helped the institution overcome the challenge, adding that the latest contribution was aimed at further strengthening the college’s capacity to provide students with practical training.
He further stated that he would continue to support the management, staff and students of the institution, while urging the students to remain committed to their studies and take advantage of the opportunities offered by the nursing profession.
According to him, nursing provides extensive career opportunities and equips practitioners with the knowledge and skills required to excel professionally and contribute meaningfully to the development of societies across the world.
Obi stressed that no nation genuinely committed to sustainable development and an improved quality of life for its citizens could afford to neglect education and healthcare.
“These are not areas to be overlooked,” he maintained, stressing that governments have a responsibility to give both sectors the priority they deserve.
He added that conscientious individuals and organisations also have a role to play in supporting government efforts to strengthen education and healthcare institutions.
Obi said his intervention at Grimard College of Nursing Sciences was part of his commitment to supporting institutions that are preparing young Nigerians for careers capable of making a difference in the country and beyond.
The proposed Skills Laboratory Centre is expected to strengthen practical learning at the college and provide students with improved facilities for developing the skills required in their nursing profession.
