Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has identified education and healthcare as the twin pillars upon which Nigeria's development and long-term prosperity must be built.
Obi stated this on Thursday while unveiling the second part of his Roadmap to a New Nigeria, a policy document outlining his vision for national transformation ahead of the 2027 general election.
In the document, the former Anambra State governor said investments in education and healthcare would form the foundation of his administration's efforts to rebuild the country, reduce inequality and create opportunities for millions of Nigerians.
He noted that the first phase of the roadmap, released on July 1, highlighted broader strategies for national renewal, including human capital development, technical and vocational education, civic values and economic reforms designed to move Nigeria from consumption to production.
According to him, the latest policy outline provides further details on plans for the education and health sectors, which he described as critical to achieving sustainable development.
Obi argued that nations that have made significant economic and social progress have done so through deliberate investments in quality education and accessible healthcare.
Referencing global development experiences and the work of Nobel Prize-winning economist Angus Deaton, he said improvements in health and education remain among the most effective tools for combating poverty and driving economic growth.
He dismissed the notion that education has lost its value, stressing that education remains a powerful vehicle for social mobility and national advancement when supported by a functional healthcare system.
"Education and healthcare are the cornerstones of a society where every citizen has the opportunity to succeed regardless of background," he said.
The NDC standard-bearer also proposed reforms aimed at strengthening collaboration among federal, state and local governments in the management of education.
Under his plan, primary education would be more community-driven, with increased parental participation and curricula tailored to reflect local economic realities and opportunities.
Obi said state governments would receive support to expand Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as well as improve the quality of secondary education through targeted grants and incentives.
He further disclosed plans to reposition Nigerian universities by encouraging them to specialise in key areas of teaching and research, thereby enhancing their global competitiveness and producing graduates with skills relevant to modern economic demands.
The former governor maintained that rebuilding the education and healthcare sectors would not only improve living standards but also address some of the underlying social and economic challenges fuelling insecurity across the country.
He said future editions of the roadmap would provide additional details on other sectors of the economy as part of his broader vision for a productive and prosperous Nigeria.
Obi concluded by reiterating his belief that meaningful reforms and responsible leadership can place the country on a path of sustainable growth and development.
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