Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to prioritise education, healthcare and human capital development as the foundation for rebuilding Nigeria's economy and improving citizens' standard of living.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Obi said his administration would pursue policies aimed at promoting national unity, social justice, inclusion and sustainable economic growth if elected president.
The former Anambra State governor noted that he would, in the coming weeks and months, unveil a comprehensive policy agenda outlining strategies to curb abuse in government, improve governance and place the country on the path of lasting peace and prosperity.
According to him, his vision is centred on creating a nation where every citizen has equal opportunities to pursue legitimate ambitions in an atmosphere of equity and justice.
Obi identified education and healthcare as critical sectors that require urgent reforms, stressing that no country can achieve meaningful development without investing in its people.
He described human capital as the most valuable asset for national progress, saying it provides the foundation for economic expansion, improved productivity and efficient public service delivery.
The NDC standard-bearer said one of his first actions in office would be the establishment of a task force to tackle the growing number of out-of-school children across the country.
He also promised to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to produce the skilled workforce required to support Nigeria's industrialisation agenda.
According to Obi, his administration would leverage the country's agricultural potential by promoting value addition through industrial parks to be established across the nation's geopolitical zones.
He said partnerships involving government, the private sector and faith-based educational institutions would be encouraged to improve funding for vocational schools and expand apprenticeship opportunities, drawing inspiration from Germany's dual education system.
Obi lamented that despite Nigeria's high unemployment rate, many indigenous entrepreneurs continue to relocate their businesses because of the shortage of skilled workers.
He argued that addressing the skills deficit would help transform Nigeria from a consumption-based economy into a productive manufacturing and industrial hub.
The presidential candidate also pledged to give greater attention to character and civic education, saying the cultivation of values such as integrity, trust, patriotism and responsible leadership would be essential to national development.
He maintained that strengthening these values would help build social cohesion, restore public confidence in institutions and support the effective implementation of his proposed governance agenda.
Obi said the reforms he envisages are aimed at laying the foundation for a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria driven by innovation, productivity and inclusive economic growth.
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