Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has called for a national emergency to be declared in Nigeria's education sector, emphasizing that the nation's future prosperity depends on the knowledge and capabilities of its people. Speaking at the 2026 Enugu Education Summit, Mbah argued that education must be treated as a national emergency, not just rhetorically but in budget allocations, teacher development, infrastructure, and partnerships. He stressed that every Nigerian child deserves access to quality education to prepare them for the world they are entering.
Mbah cited the importance of addressing the root causes of poverty, including lack of knowledge and capabilities, to achieve sustainable development. He noted that no nation can eradicate poverty or achieve sustainable development without equipping its people with the necessary skills to create wealth, find employment, and participate in society. The governor emphasized that transformation in education cannot survive on aspiration alone and requires significant investment.
The governor highlighted his administration's commitment to education, investing 33% of the state's annual budget in education for three consecutive years. This investment has led to the construction of 268 Smart Green Schools and over 7,000 classrooms equipped with 21st-century learning tools. Mbah explained that his administration's approach is not just a collection of education projects but a change in the entire development model, aiming for a quantum leap in education.
The Enugu State Education Policy was unveiled at the summit, which will serve as a benchmark for the state's education sector over the next six to 10 years. Mbah assured that the policy is not a knee-jerk reaction but a product of careful thought and planning. The policy aims to transform the education sector and prepare students for the future.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), British Council, and other global and national education stakeholders have hailed Governor Mbah for prioritizing education in his administration's development agenda. UNICEF's Country Representative to Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, commended Enugu State's commitment to education transformation, citing investments in Smart Green Schools, teachers, and foundational learning.
UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Isaias Barreto da Rosa, congratulated Governor Mbah for his leadership in making education a centerpiece of Enugu's development agenda. He highlighted the establishment of 268 Smart Green Schools as a landmark achievement, demonstrating a commitment to digitally enabled and environmentally responsible education. The British Council also expressed pride in the Mbah Administration's achievements and pledged to continue partnering with the government to ensure effective implementation of education policies.
The Commissioner for Education in Enugu State, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, thanked the governor and stakeholders for their support, assuring that Enugu has begun a journey of irreversible educational progress. The event concluded with the official unveiling of the Enugu State Education Policy and a tour of the exhibition showcasing the Smart Green Schools initiative.
Key points
- Governor Peter Mbah calls for a national emergency in Nigeria's education sector to guarantee the nation's development and future prosperity.
- Enugu State has invested 33% of its annual budget in education for three consecutive years, leading to significant infrastructure development.
- Global education stakeholders, including UNICEF and UNESCO, have commended Governor Mbah for prioritizing education in Enugu State's development agenda.
