Governor Barr Peter Mbah has announced a significant allocation of 30% of the upcoming 2024 state budget toward the education sector in Enugu State. Emphasizing the pivotal role of education in combating poverty, Mbah underscored its status as the state’s paramount tool for progress.
He reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that even the most underprivileged child in the furthest corners of Enugu State receives a world-class education, leveraging 21st-century tools and methodologies.
During his keynote address at the 19th convocation of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) in Agbani, where 9,017 graduands were conferred with various degrees, Governor Mbah, also the institution’s visitor, articulated his vision for transformative changes in basic education.
He stated, “In my view, education is probably our greatest weapon in our war against poverty in the medium to long run.
“It is for this reason that education is at the core of the strategy, which we envisage will see us boost our GDP from the current levels of about $4.4 billion to at least $30 billion by the end of 2031.
“This is why we have designed and are implementing a most revolutionary strategy to revamp the current educational system. This revamp will be extensive and exhaustive, ranging from the basic schools through secondary to tertiary institutions like ESUT.
“There will be changes not only in the curricula but also in the models for delivering knowledge in our educational institutions. The most radical change will take place in our basic schools where our children spend the first nine years of schooling.
“Therefore, in 2024, we will be spending close to 30 per cent of our state budget on education, well above the recommended international benchmark”, the Governor said.
Mbah said his administration had completed the construction of one smart school, and awarded the contract for the construction of another nine, while 250 more would be constructed in less than 14 months to cover the entire 260 wards, adding that teachers for the pilot model school were already undergoing training by global experts.
“These smart schools will each be equipped with internet access, solar power, a centre for robotics and artificial intelligence, a modern ICT centre, two well-equipped laboratories for primary school and junior secondary school, a studio for creative production, 25 inclusive classrooms, with interactive digital whiteboards, android tablets for pupils’ use, among others”, he explained.
He praised the ESUT leadership for their proactive measures already underway to align with the state government’s goals for tertiary education.
During the event, Prof. Alloysius-Michaels Okolie, the Vice Chancellor, commended Governor Mbah for his remarkable vision in shaping the state’s educational landscape and for the substantial support extended to ESUT since assuming office. He highlighted the institution’s concerted efforts to realign with the governor’s educational vision and policies.
The convocation ceremony featured the awarding of honorary doctorate degrees to distinguished Nigerians, including Osagie Okunbor, Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, Ike Chioke, Group Managing Director of Afrivest West Africa Ltd, prominent estate developer Surv Ugochukwu Chime, as well as recognitions and cash prizes presented to exceptional students. Miss Barbara Ijeoma Ikeonyia, the top graduating student, led the group of outstanding students acknowledged at the ceremony.