Former Governor Boosts Nursing Education with Generous Donation
Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi has demonstrated his commitment to healthcare education by donating ₦20 million to the Annunciation Hospital College of Nursing Sciences in Emene, Enugu State. This latest contribution brings his total support to the faith-based institution to an impressive ₦120 million.
The significant financial injection comes at a critical time for the nursing college, which is owned by the Daughters of Divine Love Congregation. According to officials, the funds will primarily support the completion of essential laboratories and lecture facilities that have faced construction delays due to rising costs and limited local funding.
Addressing Nigeria's Healthcare Crisis
During the donation ceremony, Obi emphasized the fundamental importance of investing in education and healthcare for national development. "We cannot build a truly prosperous nation without prioritizing these critical areas of development," the former Labour Party presidential candidate stated. "The journey to a New Nigeria must be anchored on education, healthcare, and poverty eradication."
The timing of this donation is particularly significant given Nigeria's severe health workforce deficit. Recent statistics reveal that more than 5,000 nurses leave the country annually for better-paying jobs abroad. The World Health Organisation reports that Nigeria currently has only one nurse for every 1,500 citizens, far below the recommended ratio of one nurse to 400 citizens.
Expanding Nursing Education Capacity
According to Rev. Sr. Mary Judith Madueke, the congregation's superior general, the college plans to admit its first 150 students in 2026, pending accreditation by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. She expressed gratitude for Obi's support, noting that it would help address the construction delays that have hampered progress.
The Annunciation Hospital College of Nursing Sciences represents one of several private initiatives aimed at improving healthcare training and retaining skilled health workers within Nigeria. As an affiliate of Annunciation Specialist Hospital, the institution is positioned to make a meaningful contribution to addressing the country's nursing shortage.
Construction materials for the college's auditorium are expected to arrive next week, with full accreditation potentially secured by early 2026. This development comes amid renewed debate over Nigeria's healthcare brain drain and government efforts to restrict the emigration of medical workers.
Obi's commitment to healthcare and education extends beyond this single institution. His recent tour of the southeast included a ₦15 million donation to Our Lady of Lourdes College of Nursing Sciences in Ihiala, Anambra, and ₦10 million to the Anglican School of Nursing in Oji River, Enugu State.
The federal government has acknowledged the severity of the healthcare workforce crisis. In March, Health Minister Tunji Alausa announced plans to upgrade 46 federal nursing schools and introduce incentives to retain health professionals, including higher pay and improved working conditions.
Faith-based institutions like the Annunciation Hospital College of Nursing Sciences are increasingly stepping in to bridge the healthcare gap, providing crucial training facilities that will help produce the next generation of Nigerian healthcare professionals.
