Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, has made a significant contribution of N20 million to the Shanahan College of Nursing Sciences in Nsukka. The donation is part of his ongoing support for the institution’s infrastructural development. However, Obi made it clear that he would not accept the honor of having a hall named after him at the school.
The proposal to name the new hall after Obi was made by the school’s manager, Rev. Fr. Kelvin Caesar, during the donation event. Obi, however, swiftly declined, stating that while he is supporting the construction of similar facilities in over 50 institutions across Nigeria, it would be inappropriate to have all of them named after him. He stressed that his philanthropy is driven by a commitment to improve society, not for self-glorification.
Obi’s decision is consistent with his long-standing belief that philanthropy should be about serving humanity and securing a better future for the younger generation, especially in the fields of education and healthcare. He emphasized that the resources he has been blessed with should be used to better the lives of others, not to enhance his own profile.
The former governor also expressed his deep passion for supporting medical and allied disciplines, acknowledging their critical role in a thriving society. He assured the institution that this N20 million donation is only part of his ongoing support for the college, promising to return with further contributions.
The Catholic Bishop of Nsukka, Most Rev. Godfrey Onah, who was represented by Rev. Fr. Dr. Miletus Ossai, praised Obi’s integrity and commitment to human capital development, describing him as a symbol of honor.
Obi’s gesture at Shanahan College of Nursing Sciences underscores his consistent focus on empowering Nigerian youth and advancing healthcare education.