Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, has ignited a fresh conversation on education funding after praising alumni of the College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu, for transforming their old school — and urging others to follow suit.
In a post on his X handle, Obi said education remained “the most important investment we can make in the future”. He visited CIC on Friday, 16 October at the invitation of the Alumni Association President, Dr Valentine Ozoigbo, to inspect projects being delivered by former students.
Among the projects he saw were a multipurpose hall, a dormitory complex, a sports complex and an ongoing five-storey staff quarters building. The alumni are already planning their next project, and Obi pledged to be part of their STEM project.
“This is what I have continued to preach: we must give back to society,” he wrote. “Those of us who passed through primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions have a responsibility to invest in them and remember the schools that helped shape our lives.”
Describing the alumni’s efforts under Dr Ozoigbo’s leadership as “a worthy example of what collective commitment and generosity can achieve”, Obi called on alumni associations across Nigeria to emulate the CIC model.
“We do not have to be immensely wealthy to make a difference. Through collective effort and regular contributions, we can improve our former schools, provide better facilities, and create opportunities for future generations,” he said. He added that such responsibility would leave schools better equipped and reduce the burden on government.
Obi also urged students to take their studies seriously, remain disciplined and work hard, reminding them that commitment and determination could lead to success. He encouraged them to respect their teachers and maintain good relationships with them even after graduation.
He thanked the teachers for their dedication, particularly their efforts in maintaining cleanliness and the evident discipline among students.
The post has been widely shared online, with the visit seen as a timely reminder of the role alumni can play in supporting Nigeria’s education system — one donation, one project, and one former student at a time.
