Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has lauded Professor David Mbah, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, for his exceptional leadership and commitment to promoting inclusive and skills-focused education in the United Kingdom.
Obi shared his admiration on social media following a visit to the university on October 17, 2025, where he met with Professor Mbah and the institution’s management team. He highlighted the pride Nigerians can take in Prof. Mbah, one of only two Black Vice-Chancellors in the UK, both of whom are Nigerians.
Founded in 1843, Birmingham City University serves about 31,000 students from over 120 countries, supported by nearly 5,000 staff members. The university is widely recognized for its practical, industry-oriented approach to higher education, combining academic excellence with real-world skills.
During his visit, Obi commended BCU’s scholarship programs, which provide varying levels of support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. “I was delighted to learn that the university extends scholarships to indigent students,” he noted, describing it as a vital step toward expanding access to quality education.
Professor Mbah emphasized the institution’s focus on empowering minorities and first-generation university students, noting that more than half of BCU’s students are the first in their families to attend higher education. This approach, he said, reflects the university’s deep commitment to inclusive learning.
Obi praised Professor Mbah and his team, especially the Nigerian academics and staff contributing to the university’s success, calling them “ambassadors of Nigeria.” He encouraged them to continue making meaningful contributions to national development. “I reminded them that they are ambassadors of our dear nation and encouraged them to keep contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s development,” Obi added.
