Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has lauded the outstanding leadership and academic excellence of Professor David Mbah, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University (BCU), during a visit to the institution on Friday, October 17, 2025.
During his visit, Mr. Obi met with Prof. Mbah, who is notably one of only two Black Vice-Chancellors among more than 160 universities in the United Kingdom — both of whom, remarkably, are Nigerians.
Birmingham City University, founded in 1843, is one of the UK’s most diverse and dynamic institutions, with about 31,000 students drawn from over 120 countries and a workforce of nearly 5,000 staff members.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Obi expressed admiration for the University’s long-standing commitment to inclusive and skills-driven education. He particularly commended its scholarship policy, which provides financial support to indigent and deserving students.
“I was delighted to learn that Birmingham City University prioritizes access to education by offering varying degrees of scholarships to students in need,” Obi said. “This kind of progressive policy not only transforms individual lives but also strengthens societies by expanding opportunity and equity.”
Prof. Mbah, in his remarks, reaffirmed the University’s mission to deliver practical, industry-relevant education and maintain an environment that nurtures excellence and innovation. He explained that BCU stands as a model for diversity and inclusion in the UK, noting that “more than half of our students are the first in their families to attend university — a reflection of our strong commitment to creating pathways for all.”
Mr. Obi praised Prof. Mbah for his leadership and dedication, describing him as a source of pride to Nigeria and Africa at large. He also extended his appreciation to the Nigerian academics and professionals working at BCU, urging them to continue projecting the best of Nigerian values wherever they serve.
“I congratulated Prof. Mbah and his team of dedicated staff, especially the Nigerians among them, for their relentless pursuit of excellence,” Obi said. “They remain ambassadors of our dear nation, and I encouraged them to keep contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s growth and development, wherever they find themselves.”
The visit, which further underscored Mr. Obi’s advocacy for education as a tool for national development, provided an avenue for exchange on best practices in higher education, inclusivity, and youth empowerment.
