Former Nigerian presidential candidate Peter Obi paid a courtesy visit to Birmingham City University on October 17, where he met with Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mbah, one of only two Black Vice-Chancellors among the United Kingdom’s 160 universities — both of whom are Nigerian.
During the visit, Obi praised the university’s dedication to inclusive education and its global reach. Established in 1843, Birmingham City University (BCU) currently serves approximately 31,000 students from over 120 countries and employs nearly 5,000 staff.
Obi highlighted the institution’s scholarship initiatives aimed at supporting indigent students, describing them as a commendable effort to promote access to education. “I was delighted to learn that, as part of its policy, the University extends varying degrees of scholarships to indigent students,” he said.
In discussions with Prof. Mbah, Obi learned more about BCU’s emphasis on practical, skills-based learning and its role as a leading institution for minority support in the UK. Notably, more than half of BCU’s student population are first-generation university attendees — a testament to the university’s commitment to social mobility and educational equity.
Obi congratulated Prof. Mbah and his team, particularly the Nigerian staff members, for their contributions to academic excellence and global representation. “I reminded them that they are ambassadors of our dear nation and encouraged them to keep contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s development,” he said.
The visit underscores growing recognition of Nigerian professionals in global academic leadership and highlights the importance of international collaboration in advancing education and opportunity.
