ENUGU STATE GOVERNMENT
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
Today marks a historic milestone in Enugu State’s education transformation as we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the launch of our first Smart Green School at Owo Campus. One year ago, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Enugu State embarked on a bold journey to redefine education – a journey that has now set the pace for national reform.
As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we also welcome the Federal Government’s newly announced 12-year uninterrupted basic education model, which mirrors the education reforms Enugu State pioneered two years ahead of time. This policy affirms what Enugu has already implemented: seamless, uninterrupted education from early childhood through Basic 9, integrated with vocational and digital literacy skills, and designed to prepare every child for a competitive global economy.
The Enugu Smart Green Schools Initiative, launched with Owo Campus as the pilot, has already transformed the learning experience for hundreds of students, proving that experiential learning, digital technology, and skill-based education are the keys to eradicating learning poverty and fostering sustainable development. With 260 Smart Green Schools underway, Enugu is committed to eliminating barriers between primary and secondary education, creating an inclusive, modernized learning environment, and providing early vocational training—all principles now embedded in the new federal policy.
A Vision Validated on the Global Stage
On January 4, 2025, Enugu State had the honor of hosting the President of Nigeria for the commissioning of 30 additional Smart Green Schools—an event that validated Governor Mbah’s visionary leadership and thrust Enugu State into the national and international spotlight. The President’s visit served as a historic moment, recognizing Enugu as a trailblazer in redefining the value of education, in Nigeria and across Africa.
Through bold investments in education infrastructure, teacher training, digital literacy, and technical and vocational education (TVET), Enugu State has emerged as a continental leader in innovative, skills-driven education. Our model is now being studied as a framework for sustainable education reform across Africa.
With this national validation and international recognition, Enugu State stands ready to partner with leading global institutions, development organizations, and investors who share our vision of transforming education into a catalyst for economic prosperity, innovation, and sustainable development.
A Moment to Celebrate and Express Gratitude
This milestone would not have been possible without the tireless dedication and brilliance of our education team. We extend our deepest gratitude to:
• His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, whose unwavering commitment to education reform continues to shape the future of Enugu’s children.
• Dr. Mara Huber, whose expertise and leadership in experiential learning have helped build an education model that is attracting global recognition.
• Cynthia Tysick, for her instrumental role in shaping the digital literacy and instructional design components of our curriculum.
• Dr. Chinyere Onyeisi, for her steadfast work in teaching innovation and teacher capacity development.
• Our pilot cohort of Enugu Smart Teachers, whose dedication and innovation have proven that education can be truly transformative when passion meets opportunity.
• The faithful and tireless staff of the Enugu State Ministry of Education, whose hard work, commitment, and perseverance have made this vision a reality. Their behind-the-scenes efforts in policy implementation, teacher support, curriculum development, and school administration have been instrumental in bringing about this landmark transformation in education.
Enugu: Leading the Future of Nigerian and African Education
As Enugu State celebrates this one-year anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to remaining at the forefront of education transformation. With the Federal Government now aligning with Enugu’s progressive vision, we stand ready to share our expertise, implementation strategies, and best practices to support this national shift.
Moreover, we extend an open invitation to development partners, global education leaders, and impact investors who recognize the power of education in driving Africa’s future. Enugu State is ready to collaborate, innovate, and lead in the global movement for skills-driven, technology-powered, and experiential learning-based education.
The future of education in Africa is here—and Enugu is leading the way. Today, we celebrate not just a policy victory, but the dreams, achievements, and limitless potential of every child whose future is being shaped by quality, uninterrupted, and skill-driven education.
Signed:
Prof. Ndubueze L. Mbah, PhD.
The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Enugu State
_February 7, 2025_