Posted by Enugu State Governor Barr Peter Mbah says his administration will spend 30% of the 2024 state budget on education, saying it is the state’s strongest weapon against poverty.
Mbah said his administration would provide world-class education to the poorest child in distant Enugu State utilizing 21st-century instruments.
The Governor made the announcements in his keynote address at the 19th convocation of Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Agbani, on Saturday, where 9,017 students received first and higher degrees.
Mbah, a University visitor, claimed his administration will make the most significant modifications to basic education.
I think education is our best medium-to-long-term weapon against poverty.
Education is crucial to our aim to increase GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion by 2031.
“That’s why we’re implementing a groundbreaking educational reform strategy. This overhaul will cover elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools like ESUT.
“Our educational institutions’ curricula and knowledge delivery models will change. The most drastic transformation will occur in our basic schools, where children spend their first nine years.
The Governor stated that in 2024, the state will spend about 30% of its budget on education, significantly above the international standard.
Mbah said his administration had built one smart school, awarded contracts for nine more, and would build 250 more in less than 14 months to cover all 260 wards. Teachers for the pilot model school were already receiving global expert training.
“These smart schools will each have internet access, solar power, a robotics and artificial intelligence center, a modern ICT center, two well-equipped primary and junior secondary school laboratories, a creative production studio, 25 inclusive classrooms with interactive digital whiteboards, android tablets for students, and more,” he said.
He praised the ESUT management for moving toward the state government’s tertiary education objective.
Prof. Alloysius-Michaels Okolie, the Vice Chancellor, praised Mbah for his vision for education in the state and his support for ESUT since taking office.
ESUT management was repositioning the school to match the governor’s educational vision and objectives.
The convocation also awarded honorary doctorates to Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited Managing Director Osagie Okunbor, Group Managing Director of Afrivest West Africa Ltd. Ike Chioke, and leading estate developer Surv Ugochukwu Chime, as well as cash awards to outstanding students, led by Miss Barbara Ijeoma Ikeonyia, the best graduating student.