Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has donated ₦15 million to the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State.
Newsonspot reports that this institution is the only accredited dental surgery faculty in the entire South East region.
Obi made the donation during a surprise visit on Friday, following a letter he received from a student in the faculty who highlighted the challenges they were facing. Choosing not to inform the school authorities in advance, he explained that he didn’t want to disrupt academic activities.
During the visit, Obi was visibly disturbed by the deteriorating state of infrastructure, citing the poor learning environment compared to his own time as a student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). He expressed concern over the decline in educational facilities and called on the government to prioritise health education, which he described as a cornerstone of national development.
“We cannot continue like this. Things must change. Our children should not be subjected to these conditions,” Obi said.
He emphasized that the current condition of medical and dental training institutions in Nigeria is a reflection of failed leadership, and urged collaborative efforts to raise standards.
Touring the faculty’s facilities, Obi was shown rundown areas like the Phantom Head Lab, Prosthetic Lab, and the Lecture Theatre, which suffers from a leaking roof. The Chairman of the Faculty’s Re-accreditation Fundraising Committee, Mr. Boston Chukwuemeka, revealed that only nine phantom heads and dental chairs are currently available, whereas a minimum of fifty is needed to meet accreditation standards.
Chukwuemeka also noted that the faculty needs ₦38 million in total to upgrade its equipment and meet re-accreditation requirements. He appealed for an increase in the current admission quota of 15 students to at least 50, stating that improved infrastructure would make this possible.
Addressing students, Obi encouraged them to speak up for their rights and better conditions, reminding them that UNN has produced many of Nigeria’s greatest minds. He cited achievements during his time as governor, such as constructing a teaching hospital in Awka within 18 months and completing a law faculty building in six months.
“One of your colleagues reached out to me about the challenges facing your faculty and appealed for support,” he said. “I have come to commend your resilience in striving to succeed in a system that is not providing you with adequate facilities.”
The President of the Dental Students Association, Mr. Daniel Ogba, expressed gratitude on behalf of the students, describing Peter Obi as a mentor and father figure.
