Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has recently made headlines following his donation to the Government Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State. This school gained international attention in 2014 when Boko Haram abducted over 200 female students, with more than 90 still unaccounted for as of mid-2023 .
Obi’s intervention came after activist Aisha Yesufu highlighted the school’s dire conditions, including the absence of electricity, functional laboratories, and adequate computer facilities. In response, Obi facilitated a donation comprising 10 laptops, 3 printers, and a ₦6 million cash contribution. The funds are earmarked for three key projects: equipping the school’s laboratory, establishing a computer classroom, and installing a motorized borehole to address water scarcity. Due to ongoing security concerns, Obi was advised against visiting Chibok directly; instead, he met with community leaders in Abuja to present the donation .
While Obi’s gesture has been lauded by many, it has also sparked discussions about the adequacy and sustainability of such interventions. Critics argue that isolated donations may not address the systemic challenges facing educational institutions in conflict-affected regions. Furthermore, some social media users have questioned the timing of the donation, suggesting it may be politically motivated ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, Obi maintains that his actions are driven by a genuine commitment to improving education and infrastructure in underserved communities.
This development in Chibok underscores the ongoing challenges in rebuilding educational systems in areas affected by insurgency and highlights the need for sustained and comprehensive efforts to restore and enhance educational facilities.
