The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has identified education and healthcare as the twin pillars for rebuilding Nigeria, insisting that sustainable national development must begin with massive investments in human capital.
In a statement made available to The News Chronicle, Obi said his proposal forms part of his broader roadmap, My Vision for a Productive and Prosperous Nigeria, first unveiled on July 1, where he outlined plans to transform Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy into a productive and globally competitive nation.
Expanding on the vision, Obi said quality education, accessible healthcare, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), civic education, and strategic investments are essential to unlocking Nigeria’s potential and tackling insecurity.
According to him, education and healthcare remain the foundation of every prosperous nation, creating opportunities for social mobility while reducing the pool of disillusioned youths often exploited for criminal activities.
Citing Nobel Prize-winning economist Angus Deaton’s The Great Escape: Health, Wealth, and the Origins of Inequality, Obi argued that quality education and healthcare distinguish thriving nations from struggling ones.
He dismissed the growing notion among some youths that “education is a scam,” insisting that education, backed by good healthcare, remains the surest path to personal advancement and national economic growth.
Obi stressed the need to align Nigeria’s education system with national development priorities, drawing lessons from Singapore’s education reforms and China’s transformation under Deng Xiaoping.
He said his administration would strengthen collaboration among all tiers of government to improve primary education through greater community ownership, stronger parental involvement, and curricula tailored to local economic realities.
The former Anambra State governor also pledged targeted grants and incentives to help state governments expand quality secondary education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
He further disclosed plans to reposition Nigerian universities by encouraging specialization in teaching and research, with the goal of making them globally competitive while producing graduates equipped for the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
