Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to offer scholarships to students from St. Lucia, describing it as a betrayal of Nigerian children. Obi called the gesture “heartbreaking” and “an act of betrayal,” noting that during Tinubu’s visit to St. Lucia, many Nigerian children—especially in the Federal Capital Territory remain out of school due to unresolved teachers’ strikes and unpaid wages .
Obi emphasized that the presidency is failing its own citizens while prioritizing foreign students, pointing out that over 20 million Nigerian children are currently out of school—the highest figure globally, according to UNICEF . He highlighted the irony of offering scholarships to St. Lucian students a country with significantly higher Human Development Index scores, including literacy rates above 90% and life expectancy of over 72 years while neglecting Nigeria’s vastly underperforming education system .
Criticizing the ill-timed initiative, Obi questioned using Nigerian taxpayers’ funds to support foreign students when local classrooms remain empty and teachers are striking. He urged the President to instead focus on reviving domestic schooling and addressing the severe educational crisis at home before extending aid abroad .
He concluded with a call to action, asking Nigerians to reject “misplaced priorities” and work collectively to build a better future for the nation’s children. Obi reaffirmed his long-held message: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
