31 Aug 2025

Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence at ACHCOHSTEN Today, I joined the 20th Anniversary of Archbishop Charles Heerey College of Health Sciences & Technology, Nkpor, to celebrate two decades of impact in health education and nation-building. Nigeria is facing a severe shortage of health professionals – a challenge that is global but even more urgent for us. We must therefore train more competent hands to meet the rising demand at home and abroad. I urged the matriculating and graduating students to take their studies seriously, seeing themselves as potential global citizens who can make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare system and to the world. Education remains the most transformative investment, and I am always proud to meet graduates of ACHCOHSTEN excelling in the US, UK and elsewhere, who trace their journey back to my time as Governor. Over the years, I have consistently supported this great institution — from donating a coaster bus, to building a female hostel when the need arose, to making almost yearly contributions to their growth. On this anniversary, I extended further support with a ₦10 million donation because I believe in building people and institutions that will stand the test of time. I commend the management of ACHCOHSTEN for their commitment to quality training. In 20 years, they have expanded into several disciplines, producing over 700 health workers who are now practising across the globe. This is a legacy of service that deserves to be celebrated and sustained. As a nation, we must continue to invest in education, health, and people. The future of Nigeria depends not only on leaders with competence and integrity, but also on institutions that build capacity for the common good. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO