The Enugu State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to investing in and revitalizing the education sector. Work is already underway to ensure that graduates from the Smart Green Schools currently being constructed in 260 wards will transition to 17 Smart Secondary Schools and eight Science, Technical, and Vocational Schools being established across the 17 Local Government Areas and eight Federal Constituencies of the state.
This announcement was made by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, during a march past involving primary and secondary schools as part of the modest celebrations for the 64th Independence Day in Enugu on Tuesday.
Prof. Mbah emphasized that education is the cornerstone of independence and freedom, highlighting the achievements of Enugu State’s children and youths. He pointed to the Enugu Smart Green School’s Owo campus, which opened in January with 865 students and 27 dedicated teachers. The school promotes experiential learning and sustainable development through projects where students test seeds and cultivate new plant species.
“Establishing a Smart Farm to support their school meal program, using robotics to create models of smart homes and remote security solutions, attracting international partners for drinking water purification systems, and leveraging educational technologies to connect with global knowledge economies and digital resources are all cause for celebration,” he noted.
Prof. Mbah also mentioned that while 60 students from the Smart Green School, Owo, received full scholarships to Holy Rosary College and the College of Immaculate Conception in Enugu after completing Basic 9 (JSS3), graduates from the Enugu Smart Green Schools will soon transition to one of 17 Smart Senior Secondary Schools or eight Science, Technical, and Vocational Schools.
In his address, Governor Peter Mbah described independence as an ongoing journey, encouraging Nigerians to work towards building a nation that stands tall in the global community, guided by principles of unity, peace, and development.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the governor emphasized that this vision hinges on substantial investments in education, which remains the most enduring legacy for future generations.
He affirmed that his administration’s commitment of 33 percent of the state’s annual budget to education underscores its dedication to human capital development.
“With our investment in education in Enugu State and our collective resolve, we can secure a bright and prosperous future for generations to come,” he concluded.
Mrs. Ngozi Enih, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, reiterated that the protection, education, and well-being of every child are top priorities for the Mbah Administration.
Students expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Governor Mbah for prioritizing education, noting their newfound optimism for the future.
The event culminated in a march past by Prof. Mbah, Mrs. Enih, and high-ranking officials from the education sector, alongside the presentation of trophies to the best-performing schools in various categories.
Among those in attendance were the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu; Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Sunday Ajogwu; Commissioner for Labour and Employment, Pharm. Chika Ugwuoke; Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Universal Basic Education, Prof. Okibe Banko; and Executive Chairman of the Post Primary Schools Management Board, Rev. Fr. Hilary Mgbodile, among others.
