Peter Obi Donates ₦15 Million to UNTH Dental Faculty, Decries Poor Learning Conditions

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has donated ₦15 million to the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State.

Obi made the donation during a surprise visit to the faculty on Friday, emphasizing the critical need for increased government investment in health education, which he described as essential to national development.

Speaking to an enthusiastic group of students, Obi revealed that his visit was inspired by a heartfelt letter from one of them. He said he intentionally kept the visit unannounced to avoid disrupting academic activities.

Deeply moved by the poor state of the faculty’s infrastructure, Obi lamented the stark deterioration compared to the conditions during his days at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). Drawing from his exposure to some of the world’s top academic institutions, he condemned the neglect of educational infrastructure in Nigeria, insisting that no nation should subject its future leaders to such conditions.

Known for his consistent support for education, Obi attributed the state of health institutions to leadership failure. He called for collective efforts to revamp health education, which he described as vital to national survival and progress.

“One of your colleagues reached out to me about the challenges your faculty is facing and asked for support,” Obi said. “I am here today to commend your resilience in striving for success under these harsh conditions.”

He reminisced about a time when education was highly valued in Nigeria, recalling that then-President Shehu Shagari once spent a night at UNN during a visit. Obi urged the students to demand improved conditions, noting that UNN has produced many distinguished professionals.

He also highlighted his achievements as governor, including the construction of a teaching hospital in Awka within 18 months and the completion of the Law Faculty at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in just six months.

“Health is a vital component of education,” Obi stressed. “We cannot keep going like this. Things must change. Our children deserve better.”

After touring the dilapidated facilities—including the Phantom Head Lab, Prosthetic Lab, and a leaking Lecture Theatre—Obi presented a ₦15 million cheque to support the faculty’s development and re-accreditation process.

Mr. Boston Chukwuemeka, Chairman of the Fundraising Committee for Re-accreditation, noted that the faculty has only nine phantom heads and dental chairs, far below the required 50 for accreditation. He said a total of ₦38 million is needed to upgrade the equipment and infrastructure.

Chukwuemeka also appealed for an increase in the student intake, from the current 15 to at least 50, stating that expansion would only be possible with better laboratory facilities.

In response, the President of the Dental Students Association, Mr. Daniel Ogba, thanked Obi for his generous support, describing him as a mentor and father figure to the students.