ENUGU: Toba Owojaiye reporting
Enugu State Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming education in the state by allocating an unprecedented 33% of the annual budget to the sector.
This bold initiative, which doubles UNESCO’s recommended benchmark, was highlighted during his keynote address at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) inaugural Distinguished Personalities Lecture Series, themed: “Experiential Learning, Building the Wealth of the Nation.”
Truth Live News gathered that while speaking at the event, Governor Mbah unveiled a roadmap to redefine education in Enugu State, including the establishment of 260 Smart Green Schools across all wards.
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These schools integrate technology-driven learning with a focus on robotics, artificial intelligence, and virtual/augmented reality to equip students with the skills needed for a knowledge-based economy.
“Through our Smart Green Schools, we target children from age three, introducing them to experiential education that inculcates social habits, health habits, fine motor skills, and problem-solving competencies,” Mbah stated.
He emphasized that the initiative aims to prepare students for a rapidly evolving technological world.
The Governor also revealed plans to establish eight Science, Technical, and Vocational (STV) schools, which will focus on competencies such as industrial and information technology, building and fabrication engineering, and industrial agriculture.
“About one-quarter of our students will proceed to these schools, ensuring they are highly skilled professionals valued for their expertise,” he added.
Critiquing Nigeria’s traditional education model, which he described as overly reliant on rote memorization, Mbah called for a paradigm shift toward experiential learning that connects directly to real-world challenges.
He urged Nigerian universities to prioritize innovation, critical thinking, and practical skills over theoretical instruction.
Mbah also announced a policy directing state-owned tertiary institutions to adopt experiential learning models in their curriculum and research efforts. “Education is not just about passing exams; it’s about preparing our youth for a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world,” he asserted.
The lecture drew a large audience, who lauded the Governor’s vision for educational reform.
Public sentiment has compared Mbah’s strides in Enugu to the contrasting approaches in neighboring states.
Critics argue that other leaders prioritize foreign engagements over grassroots development, noting that such efforts fail to directly benefit local communities.
Governor Mbah’s transformative vision has set a benchmark, not only in Enugu but across Nigeria, as an example of how focused governance can directly impact critical sectors like education.
His administration’s proactive investment in education is a strong foundation for innovation, industrialization, and sustainable development.
“Tomorrow is here!” the Governor concluded, emphasizing that the path to national progress begins with bold and innovative policies at the state level.