By Dennis Okechukwu
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has released the second part of his Roadmap to a New Nigeria, describing education and healthcare as the foundation upon which every prosperous nation is built.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, Obi said Nigeria’s transformation must begin with strategic investments in human capital through quality education and accessible healthcare.
The former Anambra State governor recalled that the first part of his vision, unveiled on July 1, outlined a broad framework for rebuilding Nigeria through reforms aimed at shifting the country from a consumption-driven economy to a production-driven one.
Expanding on that vision, Obi argued that education and healthcare are the twin pillars needed to build a prosperous nation, create opportunities for young people, and address the root causes of insecurity.
He said quality education, combined with good healthcare, provides a pathway for upward social mobility and national economic growth, dismissing claims by some young people that “education is a scam.”
Drawing on global examples, Obi cited Nobel Prize-winning economist Angus Deaton’s work, The Great Escape: Health, Wealth, and the Origins of Inequality, as evidence that thriving nations have consistently invested in education and healthcare.
He also pointed to Singapore and China as examples of countries that aligned education with national development priorities, saying Nigeria must adopt a similar approach.
According to Obi, his administration would strengthen collaboration among the three tiers of government through dedicated commissions, with primary education managed at the community and local government levels while encouraging greater parental participation.
He added that state governments would receive grants and incentives to expand Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as well as improve secondary education.
Obi further disclosed plans to encourage universities to specialise in specific fields of teaching and research to enhance global competitiveness and produce graduates equipped with skills for the future workforce.
He concluded by reiterating his campaign slogan, saying, “A New Nigeria is Possible.”