Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Friday donated N20 million to the Dentistry Department of the University of Calabar (UniCal).
The donation, made in Calabar in the presence of some students from the department, is intended to support the acquisition of additional dental chairs and strengthen the learning environment for aspiring dental professionals.
Speaking during the visit, Obi explained that the gesture was driven by his commitment to human capital development and not political ambition.
“N20 million will buy five dental chairs. We cannot have a society where we spend millions to buy cars for politicians while young people lack tools to be educated with.
“Our schools lack laboratories, classroom chairs, but politicians are living like stars; this shouldn’t be.
“We must dismantle it and invest in the critical areas of development which are measurable, like education, health and pulling people out of poverty.”
Obi emphasized that leadership should be people-focused, and reiterated his vision of building an inclusive society where equal opportunity is a reality for all citizens.
“I am interested in creating awareness that will aid the development of the people, and not discussing politics.
“I was once like these students; that is why I am pushing for us to build a proper society. As for 2027, I will be there, I assure you, and I will contest.”
He also urged Nigeria’s political class to shift focus from the 2027 general elections to addressing the immediate needs of ordinary Nigerians.
“Rather than talking about 2027, the nation’s leaders should be talking about the average Nigerian who could not put food on their tables, send their children to school or go to hospitals to get adequate care.”
The visit and donation were well-received by the university community, with many students expressing gratitude for the tangible support toward improving their educational resources.
