Delivering the 55th Convocation Lecture at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah advocated a fundamental overhaul of Nigeria’s education system toward experiential learning, detailing his administration’s Smart Green Schools and $30bn economic strategy.
Delivering the 55th Convocation Lecture at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) on Thursday, July 23, 2026, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, called for a radical overhaul of Nigeria’s educational architecture—urging tertiary and secondary institutions to pivot toward producing agile problem-solvers rather than graduates equipped solely with theoretical certificates.
Speaking on the theme “Restoring the Dignity of Man: Enugu’s Quantum Leap in Human Development and Inclusive Prosperity Through Experiential Learning“, Governor Mbah argued that human dignity in the modern knowledge economy is defined by a citizen’s capability to transform technical skills into shared economic value.
He stressed that true state development must be gauged by productive human capital and inclusive prosperity rather than physical infrastructure alone.
Elaborating on Enugu State’s human capital model, Governor Mbah revealed that his administration’s educational reforms draw deep inspiration from the traditional Igbo apprenticeship system—a historic framework built on hands-on mentorship, practical discipline, and enterprise development.
To bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world execution, the state established the Centre for Experiential Learning and Innovation (CELI) to drive curriculum innovation, teacher capacity building, and industry partnerships.
Mbah noted that this philosophy underpins his administration’s ambitious economic roadmap to grow Enugu’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, backed by an unprecedented commitment where roughly one-third of the state’s annual budget is dedicated directly to the education sector.
A central pillar of this transformational model is the construction of 268 ultra-modern Smart Green Schools across all 260 political wards in Enugu State.
These facilities are outfitted with digital libraries, robotics laboratories, smart farms, solar power grids, and high-speed internet connectivity, supported by the recruitment of 4,698 specialized teachers and digital literacy training for over 23,000 existing educators.
Furthermore, through partnerships with industrial leaders like the Enugu Haier Factory, students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges are gaining direct experience in mechatronics, ICT, precision welding, and aquaponics.
Citing the rollout of new degree programs in Automation and AI at ESUT and IMT, as well as plans for three specialized universities, Governor Mbah emphasized that integrating healthcare, power generation, and digital infrastructure creates a holistic environment designed to restore human dignity and unlock sustainable economic growth.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
