Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 Nigerian elections, delivered a statement at the First International Conference of Peaceland University in Enugu, with the theme, “Digitalization in Education, Staying Ahead of The Curve.”
Obi attended the event to engage with students and motivate them on their educational paths. He expressed his admiration for Peaceland University’s foundation, which was established and funded by a Swiss philanthropist, Mama Pia. On her visit to Enugu, Mama Pia recognized Nigeria’s need for educational investment as a means to combat poverty, ultimately donating her entire life’s earnings to the cause.
Obi highlighted how Mama Pia’s philanthropic journey aligns with his unwavering belief in the importance of education for national progress. He emphasized that governments should prioritize investments in education to drive sustainable development.
Discussing the theme of the conference, Obi stressed the importance of adapting Nigeria’s education system to the rapid technological advancements in the digital space. He noted that to remain relevant in today’s fast-paced world, educational systems must embrace new technologies to foster innovative learning approaches.
Obi drew attention to global trends in digital education, pointing to Indira Gandhi National Open University in India, which has become the world’s largest university by student enrollment, with 7 million students. The institution’s success is largely attributed to its digital learning model, which offers distance learning through technology, making education more accessible to millions.
The digitalization of education, Obi argued, will reduce physical barriers and make learning more accessible. Furthermore, it offers cost-effective solutions by decreasing the need for expensive physical infrastructure, ensuring that educational resources are more affordable and widespread.
He concluded by reinforcing his belief that an investment in education would create responsible citizens who contribute to the country’s development, leading to a more enlightened Nigeria. For Obi, a future of a transformed Nigeria through education is not only possible, it is inevitable.
