The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, has promised sweeping reforms in education, healthcare and human capital development if elected.
In a statement on X on Wednesday to mark the beginning of July, Mr Obi recalled his decision to contest the presidency, saying he remained committed to placing Nigeria on the path of unity and national transformation.
Mr Obi, who is set to contest against the incumbent President Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), announced plans to unveil a comprehensive roadmap in the coming weeks and months.
He said the framework was aimed at tackling abuse in government, reversing the declining quality of life, and fostering national unity, peace and sustainable prosperity.
According to the former Governor of Anambra State, his proposed agenda is anchored on the principles of unity, inclusion, social justice, equity and the freedom of every Nigerian to pursue legitimate aspirations.
He identified education and healthcare as the pillars of human capital development, describing a skilled and healthy population as the foundation for economic growth, improved public services and national development.
Mr Obi said his administration would, from inception, establish a task force to significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children across the country.
He also pledged to prioritise Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as part of a broader strategy to drive industrialisation through agriculture, value addition and the establishment of industrial parks across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
According to him, improved funding and equipment for TVET institutions, supported through partnerships involving government, the private sector and faith-based educational organisations, would create apprenticeship opportunities modelled after Germany’s dual education system.
The NDC chieftain argued that Nigeria must address the paradox of high unemployment alongside the shortage of skilled labour, which has compelled many Nigerian entrepreneurs to establish businesses outside the country.
He said resolving the skills gap would be critical to shifting Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy to one powered by production and industrial growth.
“Doing so is essential for the common good and for facilitating our transition from a consumption-driven economy to a production-driven one,” he noted.
The politician also promised to strengthen character and civic education, saying his administration would promote values that build trust, encourage responsible leadership and foster national cohesion, maintaining that these reforms would form part of a broader governance framework designed to unlock Nigeria’s human capital potential and deliver inclusive economic development.