Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has donated ₦30 million to Dominican University, Ibadan, urging Nigerian youths to take responsibility for the country’s future through education, productivity, and ethical leadership.
Obi arrived unannounced at the Samonda Campus and addressed students and faculty members ahead of their examinations.
Speaking on Nigeria’s development challenges, Obi described the nation’s situation as a paradox, stressing that the problem is not lack of resources but deficits in competence, capacity, and compassion in leadership.
He urged students to see agriculture and production as the “new oil,” capable of driving sustainable economic growth in a changing global environment.
Drawing comparisons, Obi cited the Netherlands’ massive agricultural exports and Israel’s efficient use of limited land, contrasting them with Nigeria’s vast but underutilised arable land.
He emphasised that development is driven by knowledge, innovation, and effective leadership, not ethnicity or geography.
The visit sparked excitement among students, many of whom described it as timely and motivating.
Students said Obi’s message reinforced their commitment to academic excellence, self-reliance, and contributing meaningfully to national development.
He also charged youths to actively participate in democracy, protect their votes, and shape Nigeria’s political future.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Jacinta A. Opara thanked Obi for the donation, noting it followed an earlier ₦50 million contribution.
Faculty members described the visit as a demonstration of humility and responsibility, while Obi concluded by urging students to recognise education as the foundation for building a productive and transformed Nigeria.
Reporting by Niran Odufayo