Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, has given his blessing to Nigerian nurses seeking opportunities abroad.
Speaking during a visit to the College of Nursing Sciences in Adazi-Nnukwu, Obi encouraged students to seek better prospects outside Nigeria if they felt opportunities at home were limited.
Obi made this statement while donating N50 million to Peter University in Achina/Onneh and an additional N10 million to the College of Nursing Sciences in Adazi-Nnukwu.
“I have always told the Nursing Council not to restrict you from travelling abroad after graduation,” Obi said to the nursing students gathered.
He explained that while it is ideal for professionals to contribute to their home country, he would not advise anyone to stay where opportunities are slim.
“If it is not going to work for you here, go to where it will work for you,” he advised.
Obi’s stance reflects his understanding of the challenges facing young Nigerians, particularly in the healthcare field, where many graduates struggle with low pay and limited resources.
“Seek greener pastures outside if that’s what you need to do,” Obi added, affirming that he supports Nigerian nurses who aspire to work overseas.
He expressed hope that, one day, Nigeria would be able to offer more opportunities that would attract skilled professionals back home.
“I’m sure that when we build a greater Nigeria, you will come back,” he said, encouraging students to look forward to a time when the nation could be a destination for those with high qualifications and expertise.
Obi shared a personal story to illustrate his point.
He mentioned that his former personal assistant, Michael-Jude, who accompanied him on a previous visit, had since moved to the United Kingdom.
“He got married to a nurse, and the UK government granted his wife and her husband all rights to study. He is now in the UK,” Obi explained, highlighting how global demand for nurses had created avenues for Nigerians to build careers abroad.
As he told the students of Michael-Jude’s journey, Obi remarked with a chuckle, “As I am now, I am looking for a new PA.”
Obi’s comments come amid ongoing discussions in Nigeria about the “brain drain” phenomenon, where highly skilled Nigerians leave the country, seeking better pay and working conditions.
The healthcare sector, in particular, has been hard-hit, with many doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals moving to countries like the UK, Canada, and the United States.
Nigeria’s healthcare system faces challenges, including understaffing, low wages, and inadequate medical facilities.
This has led to concerns over whether the country will be able to retain enough medical staff to meet the needs of its growing population.
Obi’s position on this matter offers a contrast to those who urge graduates to stay and serve within Nigeria.
He believes that a pragmatic approach is necessary, given the realities on the ground.
While he is hopeful for Nigeria’s future, he emphasizes the importance of individual well-being and career growth, even if it means relocating.
Obi’s call to support Nigerian professionals seeking opportunities abroad has stirred mixed reactions.
Some view his stance as a realistic approach to Nigeria’s current economic and professional landscape, while others feel it may encourage more young people to leave, further weakening essential sectors.
However, Obi’s message to the students carried an optimistic note about Nigeria’s potential.
He expressed a vision for a country that could one day attract its best talent back, adding that he hopes to see Nigeria develop into a place where skilled professionals can thrive.
“We will not advise anyone to stay where it is difficult for them,” Obi said, standing firm on his belief that Nigeria must first improve conditions for young professionals before expecting them to remain.
