A former governor of Anambra state and presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has criticised the prioritisation of physical infrastructure, arguing that roads and bridges alone cannot replace the foundational role of education and healthcare in economic transformation.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Cohort 3 of the ‘Thinking into Results Programme’, organised by Thought Energy Consulting, Obi reiterated that the country’s greatest obstacle to development is not physical infrastructure but human capital investment.

Obi called for a shift toward a knowledge-driven economy, which underscores the urgent need for strategic investment in human capital, without which Nigeria risks stagnation in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Obi stressed that education remains the key driver of a sustainable, knowledge-based economy as well as development, calling for investment in the sector. He said to drive the knowledge economy and not waste time, the country must start moving from consumption to production. Obi emphasised that a country’s progress hinges on the intellectual capacity of its people.

“If those in rural communities don’t go to school while we train our children abroad, we are in danger. When they return, they will face a society plagued by insecurity,” he warned.

The former Fidelity Bank chairman called for government accountability, urging leaders to use public funds for the common good.

“We need to invest in health and education first, and then invest in pulling people out of poverty, otherwise, you are wasting your time. Physical infrastructure cannot replace human infrastructure.

“We need God to touch the hearts of our leaders to use public money for public good,” he said. The Managing Director of Thought Energy Consulting, Chidi Agbapu, echoed Obi’s sentiments, emphasising that national growth begins with individual empowerment. He said the programme had shown that with a mental shift, nations can grow once its citizens prosper and develop.

“If every citizen achieves success through self-development, it impacts the entire country. A prosperous nation is built by empowered individuals,” Agbapu stated.