By Kabiru Haruna Mudi Sipikin AD Press, FME.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The election of Barr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah as the Governor of Enugu state in 2023 and the rebirth in the education sector of the state as a consequence cannot be a mere coincidence. From the beginning, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah had already developed an education reform blueprint and was waiting to unpack it through deliberate policies and intentional actions.
Upon assumption of office as the Governor, education manifested as his major priority, and he committed himself to ensuring that the people who lead the sector (Ministry of Education, Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board, Post Primary School Management Board, and Science Technical Vocational School Management Board) are competent enough to implement his lofty agenda at all levels of education in the state.
This drilling quality assurance process was how the Governor picked Assoc. Prof. Hyginus Banko Okibe to oversee the State Universal Basic Education Board, the cradle of early school and child education (where the future of the children is either made or destroyed).
The appointment of Assoc. Prof. Okibe quickly reinforced the argument for quality and credibility, capacity and competence, character and integrity, and knowledge and passion in specialized areas of human development without bending to political manipulation with the attendant consequences.
Indeed, Assoc. Prof. H.B. Okibe, a renowned educator and administrator, has become a driving force in advancing Nigeria’s education sector beyond the state boundaries. As the Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), he has played a pivotal role in reforming the education system, expanding access, and raising the quality of learning across the state.
With a solid academic background and a lifelong passion for education and human development, Assoc. Prof. Okibe has focused his leadership on tackling key challenges facing the sector. Gladly, the passage process has substantially become feasible with the innovative approach to education under His Excellency, Barr Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Executive Governor of Enugu State.
The Governor has shown uncommon commitment to infrastructure development, teacher training, and adaptation to curriculum reform—which are among the critical areas necessary to ensure that learners receive not only access to education but also the tools to succeed in a modern world.
Under his stewardship, Enugu State has emerged as one of the top performers in UBEC’s performance indicators. It is no longer news that the state’s remarkable commitment to education is reflected in its budgetary allocation.
Since Governor Mbah assumed office, he has continued to commit 33% of the state budget to education, surpassing UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 26%. This achievement underscores the Governor’s commitment to making education a central pillar of Enugu’s development.
Beyond financial investment, his leadership has fostered strong partnerships with corporate bodies, the business community, and donor agencies, thereby making Enugu state a preferred destination for investment and, tourism.
Assoc. Prof. Okibe has further consolidated the partnership in the education space, ensuring collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, State Ministry of Education, other sister agencies and corporate organizations, MDAs, and development partners.
By promoting collaboration, innovation, and accountability, Assoc. Prof. Okibe has created an enabling environment where education can thrive.
His efforts have not been limited to mainstream education alone, Assoc. Prof. Okibe has significantly championed initiatives that prioritize disadvantaged and marginalized groups, ensuring that access to quality education extends to every corner of the state.
Respected nationally and admired within the education community, Assoc. Prof. Okibe’s contributions highlight the transformative impact of the visionary leadership of the Governor. His ongoing work at ENSUBEB stands as a testament to how dedication and strategic reforms can shape the future of education for generations to come.