Former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi has called on wealthy Nigerians to donate to their alma maters noting that Nigeria can build a great educational system if wealthy people who have passed through institutions in Nigeria can support them.

The former governor stated this on Tuesday in Awka, Anambra State, during a visit to St John of God Secondary School, to make financial donations to them.

Obi who presented a cheque of N15 million to the school said it was a donation from a former student of the school who he met in the United States, during one of his visits.

He said: “I was in the country for an engagement but a good friend of mine who is a renowned surgeon in that country told me he could not pick me up at the airport because he had several surgeries to perform. He said he would send his wife to pick me up.

“When she came, we were discussing while driving home and I asked her where she schooled and she mentioned St John of God Secondary School. I asked her what she has done for the school since she left and she said nothing. She graduated from here in 1979, and since she came to the US, she has not visited the school.

“I told her if she needs to give back, she can start small. She gave me the sum of N15 million to give to you. Her name is Mrs Bridget Egodi Akigwe. I suggest that the school write her a letter thanking her, and I’m sure she is ready to do more.

“If we all support the institutions where we studied, we can help them become great. As for you students, I want to admonish you to be studious in your education because if you do, you will be greater than us, and you will stand before people you only dreamt of.”

Obi said: “Health is the foundation from where nations are built. When the people are healthy, they can be productive. That is why we are supporting you to establish the institution.”

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, Rt Rev Dr Paulinus Ezeokafor who was on hand to receive the cheque praised Obi for committing his personal resources to the development of health institutions.

He said: “You have continued to show regular and constant support to hospitals and health colleges. When we started talking about establishing the School of Nursing Sciences, you showed interest and you have done it again and we assure you that by the time you come next time, you will see us at full speed.

“We know that what you are giving us is from your personal pocket because you are no longer in government. This is your personal money and you have kept giving. God will bless you.”

Nigeria can build good schools if wealthy people support their alma mater – Peter Obi