Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has addressed the controversy surrounding Farouk Ahmed, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, publicly accused Ahmed of spending approximately $5 million on the education of his four children in Switzerland, prompting calls for an investigation into the matter due to concerns about transparency and ethics in public office.
Obi highlighted the serious ethical implications of this expenditure, particularly in a country grappling with over 18 million out-of-school children, the highest in the world. He pointed out that the alleged amount translates to about ₦7.5 billion, which, if invested locally, could significantly improve access to education.
He proposed that such a sum could fund the construction of 25 school blocks, benefiting thousands of students and providing employment for hundreds of teachers. Obi stressed that while investing in education is important, the scale of spending by public officials raises questions about moral responsibility and public trust.
Obi’s statement served to remind that the controversy reflects broader issues of privilege in Nigeria, where a small number of individuals hold significant wealth while many suffer from extreme inequality. He called for a shift in focus within the national dialogue from mere access to quality education and sustainable development.
In concluding his remarks, Obi referenced Plato, cautioning against neglecting education, as the repercussions extend far beyond the immediate context, affecting the entire society.
