In a significant step towards enhancing the quality of education in Enugu State, the government has launched the second phase of the Education and Youth Empowerment in Nigeria project, a pioneering initiative backed by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The project, aptly named the Expand, Integrate and Strengthen Systems (EISS) project, is designed to bolster teacher capacity and resilience across six Nigerian states, with Enugu State being one of the selected beneficiaries.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!During the launch and inception meeting of the EU-UNESCO project, Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Special Adviser (SPA) on education, Dr. Chinyere Onyishi, reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment to providing an enabling environment, quality support, and collaborative engagement necessary for the successful implementation of the programme. The Governor emphasized that his administration is not only building smart schools but also smart teachers, smart classrooms, and a smart generation of learners, underscoring the importance of investing in education for a brighter future.
In his keynote address, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, the Commissioner for Education, Enugu State, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ochi Patrick, expressed profound gratitude to the EU and UNESCO for their unwavering commitment to supporting education in the state. He highlighted that investing in education has been a major strategy of the Enugu State Government, with a commitment of 33% of its budget to education for two years running. This investment has yielded significant dividends, including the establishment of 260 Smart Green Schools in the 260 political wards across the State, a testament to the government’s dedication to transforming the education sector.
The Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, Mr. Albert Mendy, represented by Mr. Manish Josh, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to the Education 2030 Agenda, emphasizing the importance of empowering teachers and strengthening education systems. He announced the deployment of a resident Programme Assistant in Enugu to support implementation efforts, ensuring that the project achieves its objectives.
Dr. Olagunju Idowu Lateef, the Secretary-General Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO, in a goodwill message, stressed the critical role of teacher empowerment in reducing attrition, improving student outcomes, and nurturing future changemakers. He encouraged Enugu State to fully utilize the opportunity presented by the EU-UNESCO initiative, emphasizing that the growth and well-being of teachers must be at the heart of the state’s education strategy.
In her remarks, Dr. Ify Eze, the Registrar of Teachers, Enugu State, pointed out that the programme comes at a time when the nation’s future depends more than ever on the strength of its human capital. She added that the initiative shines as a beacon of hope and progress, focusing on strengthening systems that support education, empowering youth, and enhancing the capacity and resilience of teachers.
The two-day programme featured presentations on the project implementation plan, needs assessment, and overview of the project. Mr. Anthony Ogunniyi took participants through the project implementation plan and the roles of key stakeholders, while Mrs. Paulina Palms presented an intensive report on needs assessment. Magdalene Anene Maidoh shed light on the overview of the project, providing valuable insights into its objectives and expected outcomes.
In a vote of thanks, the Honourable Commissioner of Education, represented by the Permanent Secretary Dr. Patrick Ochi, expressed profound gratitude to His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his unwavering support for education development in the state. He also appreciated the international partners for their commitment to empowering youths and strengthening the education system, looking forward to a fruitful outcome of the collaboration.
Stephen Onyekwelu, in another vote of thanks, appreciated the Honourable Commissioner for Education, all the Commissioners that were represented, the Permanent Secretaries present, the focal person Mike Mba, the participants, organizers, and Technical groups, noting that their insights and expertise have well-informed Technical groups.
The launch and inception meeting of the EU-UNESCO project was attended by several dignitaries, including the Chairman Education Committee, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Osita Eze; Commissioners for Ministries of Children, Gender and Women Affairs, and Budget and Planning, represented by their Permanent Secretaries; the Chairman of the Post Primary Schools Management Board, Rev. Fr. Hilary Mgbodile; Chairman of Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board, Prof. Okibe Banko; HRM Igwe Asadu Samuel Ikechukwu (Ogadagidi) of Edem Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom, Caretaker Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ), Comr. Agatha Agu, Chairman Association of People with Disabilities, Comr. Onyebuchi Mba, State Chairman of Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Comr. Theophilus Nweke Odo, Provost from College of Education, teachers, Students, and many others.