Peter Obi’s Investment in Anambra Education still Celebrated Amid Reno’s Building Search

Peter Obi served as the governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2013, during which he achieved significant progress in the education sector through strategic investments and the implementation of new policies.

When Obi assumed office in 2006, Anambra State’s education sector was in a dire state, with poor performance in external exams such as WAEC and NECO. However, through his investment efforts, the state consistently moved from the 27th position to the top position in these exams.

Reno Omokri, who was one of the PDP Presidential campaign media person, following the presidential election, switched allegiances to the ruling party APC—seemingly on a special assignment to launch attacks against Peter Obi—recently questioned the number of schools Peter Obi constructed during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State. Reno Omokri’s inquiry should be forgiven, as it appears he already knows the answer but aims to mislead certain uninformed segments of the society.

For the general public, It is important to note that the challenges facing Anambra State’s education system then were not solely about the construction of new schools, as some may believe. The state already had a sufficient number of public and private schools. However, many of these schools lacked adequate infrastructure, such as classrooms, libraries, and modern laboratories. Additionally, there was a need for enhanced teacher training, motivation, and the settlement of arrears, pension, and gratuities for retired teachers. Another issue was the return of schools that were previously taken from private organizations by the government. Obi inherited a collapsed education system and addressed these pressing issues. Obi has a total of over 100 school buildings rehabilitated and some constructed new in Anambra State outside building Anambra State University, Igbariam campus and Anambra State teaching Hospital.

For instance, in my community of Nise, Obi did not build new schools but focused on improving existing infrastructure. He constructed two school blocks within the existing school, provided laboratory equipment, and implemented other necessary upgrades.

These strategic investments in education yielded significant results. Anambra students and schools began winning national and international awards in various competitions, showcasing the positive impact of Obi’s initiatives.

Furthermore, Obi implemented an integrated education policy that rewarded every first-class graduate from Anambra State studying in any Nigerian school with a cash award of N1 million. This policy fostered healthy competition among students and schools, motivating them to strive for excellence.

Additionally, Obi provided financial support to private schools operating in Anambra State as part of his education policy, recognizing the importance of a diverse educational landscape.

Even the current Governor of Anambra State, Prof Charles Soludo not minding his political differences with Peter Obi, acknowledged that Obi lay down solid Education foundation upon which his administration is building on. It was reported on Vanguard Newspaper of 7th October 2023 captioned: “We Are Continuing With Peter Obi’s Legacy in Education”, says Soludo

The governor who went on to say:
“I thank Mr. Peter Obi for his numerous legacies in the education sector, upon which we are building”

Meanwhile it on record that Peter Obi who is not the immediate predecessor of the current governor of Anambra State, but his impact on education is still acknowledged as a pacesetter.

While some, like Reno Omokiri and his APC media propagandists, may be fixated on finding new schools built by Obi, the rest of the world celebrates the remarkable results achieved through his investments in Anambra State’s education system.