(DDM) – Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised fresh concerns about Nigeria’s growing education crisis, warning that the nation’s long-term stability is at risk if urgent action is not taken to address the situation.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Obi, in a statement released via his official X (Twitter) handle on Sunday, lamented that over 24 million Nigerian children are currently out of school, one of the highest figures globally.
He described the figure as “a ticking time bomb” and stressed that neglecting education amounts to endangering the country’s collective future.
Obi emphasized that no country can achieve genuine development or social stability without prioritizing education, which he described as the most powerful tool for economic transformation and national progress.
The former governor, known for his emphasis on investment in human capital, argued that Nigeria’s inability to provide accessible and quality education for its youth undermines both its economic potential and democratic future.
“Education is the foundation upon which every nation is built,” Obi said. “A country that fails to educate its young people is building its future on sand.”
He further highlighted the increasing importance of education in today’s technology-driven world, noting that artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital innovation are rapidly reshaping industries and labor markets across the globe.
According to Obi, without adequate educational reform, Nigerian youths risk being left behind in a world that now values knowledge and technical skills more than ever before.
He therefore urged both federal and state governments to declare a national emergency on education, calling for coordinated efforts from policymakers, civil society, and private sector stakeholders to reverse the alarming trend.
Obi also underscored that universal access to education should not be seen as a political promise but as a national survival strategy, essential for fostering peace, productivity, and global competitiveness.
The former governor’s remarks have reignited public discourse on the state of Nigeria’s education system, which has been plagued by poor infrastructure, underfunding, and frequent industrial actions by teachers and university staff.
Education experts and civil society groups have long warned that the growing population of out-of-school children, especially in the northern region, could fuel social unrest, unemployment, and insecurity.
Obi’s warning echoes similar concerns raised by international organizations such as UNICEF, which recently ranked Nigeria among the top three countries with the highest number of out-of-school children globally.
He concluded by urging political leaders to act with urgency, stating that the education of children should not be treated as a privilege but as a constitutional right and a moral obligation.
Obi’s renewed advocacy reflects his long-standing commitment to education reform, a principle he upheld during his tenure as governor of Anambra State, where he significantly improved school infrastructure and learning outcomes.
Analysts believe his latest intervention is a timely reminder that unless Nigeria invests meaningfully in the minds of its young people, its aspiration for sustainable development and national cohesion will remain a distant dream.