Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah 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 also in budget allocations, teacher development, infrastructure, and partnerships. He stressed that every Nigerian child deserves access to quality education that prepares them for the world.
Mbah made the remarks while delivering his keynote address at the Enugu Education Summit, themed "Transforming Education for the Future: Leadership, Innovation, Partnership, Financing and Sustainable Reform." The governor emphasized that Nigeria cannot eradicate poverty or achieve sustainable development without addressing the root causes of poverty, including lack of knowledge and capabilities. He cited the need for a quantum leap in education funding and infrastructure to prepare young people for the future.
The governor highlighted his administration's commitment to education, citing the investment of 33 percent 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, unveiled by Mbah, is expected to serve as a benchmark for the state's education sector over the next six to 10 years. The policy is a product of careful thought and consultation, according to the governor. The policy's implementation has already begun, with a focus on transforming the education sector.
UNICEF, UNESCO, and the British Council have hailed Mbah's efforts in making education a centerpiece of his administration's development agenda. UNICEF's Country Representative to Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, praised Enugu State's commitment to education transformation, citing investments in Smart Green Schools, teachers, and foundational learning. UNESCO's Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Isaias Barreto da Rosa, commended Mbah for investing heavily in education and establishing 268 Smart Green Schools.
The British Council's Director on English and School Education, Nigeria, Fwanshihsak Daniel, expressed pride in the Mbah Administration's achievements in the education sector, pledging to continue partnering with the government to ensure that policies yield better outcomes in classrooms. The Commissioner for Education, Enugu State, Prof Ndubueze Mbah, thanked the governor and stakeholders for their support, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration to achieve education goals.
Key stakeholders, including UNICEF, UNESCO, and the British Council, have expressed support for Enugu State's education reforms. The state's education sector has received significant investments, with a focus on improving infrastructure, teacher development, and learning outcomes. The reforms aim to prepare young people for the future and address the root causes of poverty.
Key points
- Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has called for a national emergency in Nigeria's education sector.
- The governor has invested 33 percent of the state's annual budget in education for three consecutive years.
- UNICEF, UNESCO, and the British Council have hailed Mbah's efforts in making education a centerpiece of his administration's development agenda.
