Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has donated ₦10 million to Archbishop Charles Heerey College of Health Sciences and Technology, Nkpor (ACHCOHSTEN), to support continued infrastructural development at the institution.
Obi made the donation on Saturday during the college’s 20th anniversary celebration, which also featured matriculation and convocation ceremonies.
In his address, Obi identified the shortage of health professionals as a critical global challenge, stressing that Nigeria must train more competent hands to meet the rising demand. He urged the graduating and matriculating students to take their studies seriously and see themselves as “potential global citizens” who can contribute not only to Nigeria’s healthcare system but to the world at large.
“I am here today because I believe in you; I believe in education; I believe in building people and institutions,” Obi said. He reminded them that the country is passing through difficult times and urged Nigerians to always elect leaders with competence and integrity.
The LP presidential candidate commended the management of ACHCOHSTEN for the quality of training being offered, recalling how he had met graduates of the college in the United States and Britain who proudly introduced themselves as his former students during his tenure as governor. “On several occasions, I have met your graduates abroad – in America, Britain, London, and other countries – and they introduced themselves as products of this institution during my time as governor. That makes me proud,” he added.
The Provost of the College, Rev. Sr. Dr. Maria Uzochukwu Ozor, traced the institution’s humble beginnings in 2005 as the School of Medical Laboratory Technicians (SOMLAN), before its transformation into a full-fledged multi-departmental college. She praised Obi’s consistent support over the years, recalling that apart from donating two coaster buses and building a female hostel, he had remained a steadfast benefactor.
She highlighted the school’s achievements, including multiple accreditations, expansion into Pharmacy Technician, Community Health, Environmental Health, and Medical Imaging/X-Ray departments, and outstanding national examination results. She further revealed that in the past 20 years, the college had graduated over 700 health workers now practising across the globe in countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
The Superior General of the IHM Sisters, Rev. Mother Maureen Akabogu, also thanked all benefactors and prayed for God’s blessings upon them.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the college presented Obi with an “Award of Excellence” in recognition of his contributions. The highlight of the event was the launch of a commemorative book titled Growth and Wonder, authored by the Provost.
In its 20 years of existence, ACHCOHSTEN has grown into a hub of health sciences education, producing distinguished graduates who are excelling globally as medical laboratory scientists, nurses, public health officers, psychologists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and religious ministers.
The celebration began with a Holy Mass and featured an academic procession, book launch, awards, matriculation, and convocation ceremonies.
