Peter Obi Discloses Personal Desire to Retire as a Teacher to Impart Knowledge

By Praise Chinecherem

Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi has challenged Nigerian students to take their studies seriously, describing education as the currency for their success in life.

Obi who gave the advice on Friday while addressing students of Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha during his visit to the institution, said he would want to retire as a teacher to enable him continue to impact lives.

“You’re all potential leaders of tomorrow, but you need education to make it happen. I was like you yesterday not knowing what the future would look like.

He said, “Today is International Day of Education. I was wondering what to do to mark the day until I remember that your school will be 100years tomorrow. I decided to spend time with SS3 students to teach them.

“You people are privileged to be in this school. The most important thing in your life is education. The most important thing of any society is education. Education is your currency for success.

“You’re all potential leaders of tomorrow, but you need education to make it happen. I was like you yesterday not knowing what the future would look like.

“As a student of CKC, with friends who are now great people, we were relating with DMGS like a family. While the Anglican among us will go to DMGS for prayers on Sundays, the Catholics in DMGS will come over to CKS.

“Today I’m an Alumnus of major schools across the world. Yet I wasn’t one of the best students. That’s why I have special regards for my teachers who played great role in my life.”

While citing examples of former head of state, Gen Yakubu Gowon and Biafran Warlord, Dr Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu who were great leaders during his early school days, Obi said the same persons accorded him respect when he became Governor.

“I came to encourage you to aspire to attain the highest. Your teachers are here to mould you. Respect them. Soon, your name will heard and we will be coming to fill form to see you. That’s what education does.

“Don’t place money first, those who think about money first will fail. Nigeria today isn’t working. It’s you people that will make it work if you take your studies seriously,” he stressed.