Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has revealed why he chose not to make public a letter he received from students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), requesting urgent financial support.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Obi made the clarification via his official X handle (formerly Twitter) on Friday, July 18, 2025, following a donation of ₦15 million which he personally presented to the university’s Dental students.
The students, reportedly in dire need of support for an academic project or institutional needs, had sent Obi a formal letter requesting assistance to the tune of ₦40 million.
The letter, according to Obi, was received earlier in the week before his quiet visit to the university campus.
He noted that he deliberately refrained from publicizing the students’ request or even commenting on it at the time due to the nationwide period of mourning declared after the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Obi emphasized that his silence was an act of respect for the mood of the country and not due to any political calculation or attempt to downplay the importance of the students’ appeal.
“Out of respect for the national mourning following the passing of our former President, I refrained from making any public statements during that period,” Obi said.
The former governor, known for his modest approach to philanthropy and support for education, has maintained a consistent record of helping academic institutions and students across Nigeria without seeking media attention.
His recent gesture at UNN further underscores his personal philosophy of silent impact, even as Nigeria grapples with various socio-economic challenges.
During the visit, Obi reportedly handed over a cheque of ₦15 million to the student representatives, a move that drew gratitude from both students and faculty alike.
Although the amount fell short of the ₦40 million originally requested, the donation was received as a substantial lifeline by the students, who hailed Obi’s humility and sense of timing.
This incident marks yet another in a long list of Obi’s direct interventions in Nigeria’s education sector, especially in tertiary institutions.
In recent years, Obi has visited several universities and health institutions, offering infrastructure support and student aid, often without public announcements.
Many observers have linked this style of quiet service to Obi’s broader political identity, which emphasizes accountability, frugality, and compassion, often contrasting with the grandstanding common in Nigeria’s political landscape.
His decision not to turn the donation into a media spectacle during a sensitive national moment has been applauded by supporters and social commentators.
Meanwhile, the students of the Dental Department at UNN have expressed appreciation for Obi’s timely support and urged other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate his gesture.
As Nigeria continues to mourn the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the incident stands out as a reflection of the delicate balance between civic duty, public image, and national sentiment in a country where political philanthropy is often weaponized for influence.
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, Obi’s actions continue to keep him in the public eye, not through noise, but through calculated silence and service.
👇👇👇
Follow DDM’s official WhatsApp Channel for real-time updates.
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vajkwdc4dTnFHl19vW3g
