The (UNESCO) has lauded the Governor of Enugu State, , for his administration’s ambitious Smart Schools initiative, describing it as a transformative model for education reform. The organisation also signalled its readiness to enter into a strategic partnership with the state, focusing on teacher capacity building, digital education advancement, and the preservation of Igbo cultural heritage.
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The commendation was delivered by UNESCO’s Head of Office and Representative in Nigeria, , during a courtesy visit to the Enugu State Government House on Monday. Leading a high-level delegation, Abiaga praised the scale, speed, and vision driving the state’s education reforms.
According to him, UNESCO, whose mandate places education at the centre of sustainable development, finds strong alignment between its global objectives and Enugu State’s robust investment in human capital development, particularly the establishment of over 260 Smart Green Schools across the state.
“We came to commend the remarkable work being done in Enugu. Your commitment to human capital development and the Smart Schools initiative is highly impressive. There is clear synergy between your efforts and UNESCO’s programmes in Nigeria,” Abiaga stated.
He explained that the visit formed part of ongoing engagements aimed at deepening collaboration in key areas such as education, teacher empowerment, youth engagement, and cultural development. Abiaga further disclosed that UNESCO, in partnership with the European Union, is currently implementing a $5 million education support programme across six Nigerian states, including Enugu.
As part of the proposed collaboration, UNESCO plans to train no fewer than 2,183 teachers in ICT and digital pedagogy, a move designed to strengthen teaching capacity and complement the Smart Schools framework.
While acknowledging the state’s significant investment in infrastructure, Abiaga emphasised the importance of equipping educators with the skills required for modern, technology-driven classrooms.
“Infrastructure alone is not sufficient. The real impact lies in empowering teachers to effectively utilise these tools. We believe a partnership in this regard will further enhance smart teaching systems in Enugu,” he added.
Beyond education, UNESCO also expressed interest in promoting and preserving Igbo cultural heritage. Abiaga noted that the organisation had already supported the National Museum in Enugu with security infrastructure, including surveillance systems, and indicated willingness to expand efforts in documenting and showcasing the region’s rich cultural assets on the global stage.
In his response, Governor Mbah welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, describing Enugu as a historic and cultural hub of the Igbo people.
“We are unapologetically committed to education because we understand that the future belongs to a well-prepared generation,” Mbah said.
The governor revealed that over 30 percent of the state’s budget has consistently been allocated to education—significantly exceeding UNESCO’s recommended benchmark. He added that the government has constructed more than 7,000 classrooms and established 267 Smart Green Schools strategically distributed across all political wards to ensure equitable access to quality education.
Mbah stressed that the initiative goes beyond physical infrastructure, incorporating curriculum reform, experiential learning, and the integration of advanced technologies such as robotics, mechatronics, and 3D printing.
He further highlighted the establishment of a Centre for Experiential Learning and Innovation aimed at equipping teachers with digital competencies and fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation among students.
Describing UNESCO’s proposed teacher training programme as timely, the governor expressed optimism about the potential impact of the partnership on strengthening the state’s education system.
On cultural development, Mbah underscored Enugu’s rich heritage, citing landmarks such as the Nsude pyramids and ancient iron-smelting sites. He called for UNESCO’s support in securing World Heritage Site designation for these historical assets.
“We are proud of our heritage and are ready to partner with UNESCO to preserve and showcase it to the world,” he concluded.