By Hyginus Odo
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Enugu State has officially launched the second phase of the Education and Youth Empowerment in Nigeria project—an EU-UNESCO-supported initiative aimed at strengthening teacher capacity and education governance.
The project, known as Expand, Integrate, and Strengthen Systems (EISS), is being rolled out across six Nigerian states, with Enugu taking a leading step through the inauguration.
The state-level launch, held in Enugu, builds on the national rollout that took place in Abuja in July 2024. This initiative seeks to enhance teacher training, recruitment, and the broader educational framework, particularly by addressing gaps identified in a 2023 UNESCO needs assessment. Among the highlighted challenges were low teacher quality in private schools, lack of digital integration, limited inclusivity, and the need for climate education in school curricula.
Speaking at the inauguration of the EISS Steering Committee, Governor Peter Mbah, represented by his Special Adviser on Education Innovation, Dr. Chinyere Onyishi, reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to transforming the education landscape. “We are not just building smart schools—we are building smart teachers, smart classrooms, and a smart generation of learners,” the Governor stated.
Governor Mbah also emphasized that the government is fully committed to creating a supportive environment that will ensure the success of the project, through collaboration, strategic policy direction, and investment in human capital.
Echoing this sentiment, the Enugu State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah—represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Ochi Patrick—described the project as timely and essential. “We are honored to be one of the six states selected for this transformative initiative. With 33% of our state budget dedicated to education for two consecutive years, we are already witnessing sector-wide reforms, including the construction of 260 Smart Green Schools,” he said.
The event also featured remarks from Mr. Manish Josh, representing the Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, who announced the deployment of a resident Programme Assistant to Enugu to support on-ground implementation.
In a goodwill message, Secretary-General of the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO, Dr. Olagunju Idowu Lateef, stressed the importance of continuous teacher training, collaboration, and technology integration to reduce attrition and improve educational outcomes.
“Teachers are at the heart of any successful educational reform,” he said. “Their growth and wellbeing must be central to our strategy.”
Dr. Ify Eze, Registrar of Teachers in Enugu State, described the initiative as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s future, praising its focus on empowering teachers and supporting youth development.
“This project aligns directly with sustainable development by strengthening systems and investing in human capital,” she noted.
During the two-day launch event, Mr. Anthony Ogunniyi outlined the implementation roadmap and clarified the roles of key stakeholders.
Among the dignitaries present were a member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr. Osita Eze, top officials from various ministries, traditional ruler, HRM Igwe Asadu Samuel Ikechukwu (Ogadagidi) of Edem Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom, education board executives, civil society leaders, and representatives from the media, Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), and student bodies.
With the formal launch and committee inauguration, Enugu State takes a pivotal step toward shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready education system.