Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed renewed optimism about Nigeria’s future following a visit to Dominican University, Ibadan, during which he not only engaged students on academic excellence and character development but also experienced an act of honesty that, according to him, symbolises the values needed to rebuild the nation.
Obi disclosed the experience in a reflective account of his visit, describing it as one that reinforced his long-held belief that education, combined with moral integrity, remains the most sustainable pathway to national progress.
The former Anambra State governor said he departed Lagos as early as 5:30 a.m. and arrived in Ibadan by 8:00 a.m., proceeding directly to Dominican University to interact with students and members of the academic community. The visit, he explained, was aimed at motivating young Nigerians to pursue excellence not only in their academic endeavours but also in their conduct and values.
According to Obi, the engagement at the university was both enriching and inspiring. He participated in an interactive session with students, which included a robust question-and-answer segment that allowed the undergraduates to freely express their thoughts, concerns, and aspirations. He said the quality of the questions and the level of engagement further strengthened his conviction that Nigeria’s young population holds immense potential if properly nurtured.
“I went to engage with the students and encourage them to strive for excellence in both their academics and character,” Obi stated. “What I encountered was a group of young Nigerians who are eager to learn, curious about the future, and willing to play their part in building a better country.”
As part of his visit, Obi announced a donation of ₦30 million to Dominican University to support its ongoing development efforts. He described the donation as a modest contribution toward strengthening educational institutions, which he believes are critical to producing responsible leaders and professionals for the country.
He noted that investment in education remains one of the most effective tools for addressing Nigeria’s long-term challenges, including poverty, inequality, unemployment, and weak institutions. According to him, no nation can rise above the quality of its education system and the values it instils in its citizens.
“Education is the cornerstone of progress,” Obi said. “When we invest in education, we are investing in the future stability, productivity, and prosperity of our nation.”
However, beyond the formal engagements and the financial support extended to the institution, Obi said a seemingly simple incident during his visit left a profound impression on him. He revealed that after concluding his activities at the university and preparing to leave, he discovered that he had misplaced his mobile phone.
In a country often plagued by stories of theft, dishonesty, and moral decline, Obi said what happened next deeply moved him. According to his account, students of Dominican University found the missing phone and promptly returned it to him, without any attempt to take advantage of the situation.
“That simple but powerful incident renewed my hope for Nigeria,” Obi said. “The fact that students found my phone and returned it speaks volumes about the values that are being instilled in them.”
He described the act as a reflection of what Dominican University represents, not just as a centre of academic learning, but as an institution committed to character formation. Obi stressed that education should not be limited to the acquisition of certificates and technical skills but must also include the deliberate cultivation of honesty, discipline, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility.
According to him, societies thrive when knowledge and character go hand in hand, and nations fail when intellectual capacity is divorced from moral integrity.
“What I saw at Dominican University is proof that when young people are taught the right values, they will live by them,” he said. “This is the kind of foundation Nigeria needs.”
Obi used the opportunity to reiterate his long-standing message that Nigeria’s transformation will not come from rhetoric alone but from deliberate investments in human capital development and ethical leadership. He argued that rebuilding trust in public and private institutions requires a generation of citizens who are not only competent but also principled.
He further noted that universities and other tertiary institutions have a critical role to play in shaping the future of the country, as they serve as training grounds for future leaders in politics, business, science, and civil society.
Observers say Obi’s visit to Dominican University aligns with his consistent advocacy for education, health care, and poverty reduction as the pillars of national development. Throughout his political career and public engagements, he has repeatedly emphasised prudent resource management, accountability, and the prioritisation of sectors that directly impact human development.
The former governor has also been vocal about the need to restore ethical standards in public life, arguing that corruption and moral decay have undermined Nigeria’s progress more than a lack of resources.
For many Nigerians who followed the account of the visit, the recovered phone incident resonated strongly, serving as a reminder that positive values still exist across the country, particularly among young people who are given the right guidance.
Education stakeholders have also pointed to the episode as evidence that faith-based and values-driven institutions can play a significant role in national reorientation, especially at a time when concerns about declining moral standards are widespread.
As Obi concluded his reflection, he reaffirmed his belief in the possibility of a better Nigeria, stressing that hope lies in the combination of quality education and strong moral foundations.
“I firmly believe that if we place equal emphasis on education and moral integrity, Nigeria’s greatness is within reach,” he said. “A new Nigeria is possible.”
The visit to Dominican University, the ₦30 million donation, and the simple act of honesty by students have since been widely discussed on social media and in public discourse, with many Nigerians describing the episode as a rare but encouraging glimpse into what the country could become if its institutions consistently uphold the right values.
For Obi, the experience was not just another public engagement, but a personal reminder that despite Nigeria’s many challenges, there remains a reservoir of integrity and potential capable of driving lasting change.
