By Lolo Nkiru Onuorah
The Executive Chairman of Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), Assoc. Prof. Hyginus Banko Okibe, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to repositioning the Basic Education System in the State. He made this commitment when members of the Enugu State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Science, and Technology paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
Assoc. Prof. Okibe described education as one of the biggest and most cherished industries in the State. He noted that Governor Dr. Peter Mbah has continued to demonstrate his special interest in the education sector by introducing the Smart Green School program and allocating 33% of the 2024 State budget to Education.
Additionally, the Governor has paid the 2024 State counterpart fund/matching grant to access funds from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Abuja for education development in the State.
The Chairman notified his visitors that basic education generally faces challenges, including ensuring competency in literacy, numeracy, and writing among pupils. This issue is not peculiar to Enugu State, but the Board has made it a priority area of attention. The goal is to reinvent the school system for better results and transformation with integrity.
Assoc. Prof. Okibe appreciated the House Committee Members for the visit and their zeal to enhance teaching and learning. He welcomed their willingness to extend hands of fellowship for a symbiotic relationship with the Board to cross-breed ideas on how to move the State forward.
As an educationist, Assoc. Prof. Okibe emphasized that the Board is doing its best to implement the Education policy/programmes of the State government. He also prioritizes maintaining good working relationships with staff, providing them with a conducive working environment, and improving their lots for enhanced service delivery.
Governor Peter Mbah’s introduction of Smart Schools, where basic education is absolutely free, has wiped away the tears of Enugu State. Assoc. Prof. Okibe urged the public to take ownership of this initiative. However, he condemned the attitude of some contractors handling government projects, especially Smart schools, who perform shoddy jobs or use substandard materials. He appealed to the Legislators to monitor ongoing projects in their constituencies and report any irregularities to the appropriate authorities.
In his remarks, Committee Chairman Hon. Osita Eze explained that the visit aimed to familiarize themselves with the Board’s operations and identify areas of need and challenges. He congratulated Assoc. Prof. Okibe on his well-deserved appointment and successful assumption of office.
Hon. Eze noted that education is dear to Governor Mbah’s heart and vital to his administration. As the agency responsible for implementing educational programs at the basic level, the Committee will provide necessary assistance to take the sector to enviable heights.
Vice Chairman Hon. Malachy Onyechi praised Assoc. Prof. Okibe’s appointment, describing it as “a round peg in a round hole”. He expressed confidence in the Chairman’s ability to move the Board forward, given his track record, experience, and educational background.
Hon. Anthony Nwankwo, representing Awgu South State Constituency, thanked Assoc. Prof. Okibe for the warm reception and urged the Board to deliver on its mandate. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts from stakeholders to achieve quality basic education in the State.
Other Committee members present included Hon. Gabriel Eze (Isi Uzo State Constituency), Permanent Member 3 Hon. Ego Aja of ENSUBEB, and all the Directors in ENSUBEB. Perpetua Nwafor, the Committee Clerk, was also in attendance.