Japa: Peter Obi defends Nigerian nurses seeking opportunities abroad

Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has stated that there is nothing wrong with Nigerian nurses seeking better opportunities abroad.

He made this remark while donating N20 million to the St. Charles Borromeo College of Nursing and Midwifery in Onitsha on Monday. The donation was split evenly, with N10 million allocated to the midwifery department and another N10 million to the nursing department.

Obi stressed the vital role of education and healthcare, calling them the currencies for future progress. With Nigeria’s population surpassing 200 million, he argued that rather than restricting the migration of skilled professionals, the country should focus on training more healthcare workers. Their remittances from abroad, he noted, could significantly boost Nigeria’s economy.

“This is not charity but an investment in your future,” Obi said. “We must invest in education and healthcare because they are the key to success. Your profession is in demand worldwide, and investing in you guarantees your greatness.”

He further stated, “I’ve advised the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria not to block anyone from pursuing better opportunities abroad. Our nurses overseas contribute to the economy through remittances. Let those who wish to leave do so, while those who want to stay can remain. Remittances from the diaspora are a form of revenue generation.”

Obi explained his philanthropic efforts, saying, “I donate to educational and health institutions because we need to improve lives. It’s wrong for children to be denied access to education while I sit around collecting titles. That’s not how to build a better future.”

He also announced his upcoming visits to a hospital in Anyingba, Kogi State, on Tuesday to support its accreditation process, followed by a similar visit to Kaduna State on Wednesday.