Peter Obi Rejects Plan to Name Anambra Nursing School Building After Him, Donates ₦15 Million Instead

• Former Anambra governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has rejected a proposal to name a new building after him at Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing, Ihiala, despite donating ₦15 million to support the institution.

There was mild drama at the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ihiala, Anambra State, when former governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, turned down the management’s plan to name the school’s newly constructed five-storey administrative building in his honour.

During his visit, Obi donated ₦15 million to support infrastructure development at the institution. The school’s Administrator, Rev. Fr. Chidiebere Ughaerumba, overwhelmed by the gesture, announced that the almost-completed building would bear Obi’s name in recognition of his long-standing contributions to education and healthcare in the state.

However, Obi politely declined the honour, insisting that his donation was purely a service to humanity, not an act seeking personal glorification.

“When I was governor, many wanted to honour me with titles and awards, but I always declined. Even local governments wanted to name streets after me, and I said no,” Obi said.

“Any day I want to be called ‘Doctor,’ I will go and earn it. Whatever I need, God has already given me.”

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He stressed that true leadership lies in uplifting society rather than seeking recognition, adding that he would rather use his wealth to strengthen schools and hospitals than live in luxury.

“Just this week, I have visited five schools and donated between ₦5 million and ₦15 million each. It is better to use money to support education than to throw parties or buy new cars,” he added.

Obi reaffirmed his belief that education and healthcare remain “the two most important sectors for national development.”

Speaking at the event, the Bishop of Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Jonas-Benson Okoye, commended Obi for his humility but noted that institutions reserve the right to honour those who contribute meaningfully to society.

“Honouring good deeds is not vanity; it encourages others to serve with sincerity,” the Bishop remarked, recalling that as governor, Obi named the Prof. Kenneth Dike Library in Awka after the late historian, a gesture that inspired others toward public service.