Enugu State Government Unveils Ambitious Plan to Establish Over 250 Smart Schools Across 260 Wards in 14 Months
Governor Peter Mbah reveals bold undertaking to set up Smart Schools In Enugu State.
Mary Nwaeze 
In a groundbreaking announcement, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has unveiled plans to construct more than 250 state-of-the-art smart schools across all 260 wards in the state within the next 14 months. The initiative aims to provide a world-class education to every child, regardless of their location or socio-economic background, using cutting-edge tools of the 21st century.
Governor Mbah, delivering a keynote address at the convocation ceremony of the Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT) in Agbani on Saturday, emphasized the pivotal role of education in boosting the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the current $4.4 billion to $30 billion by 2031. He revealed that a significant 30 percent of the 2024 state budget has been earmarked for the education sector.
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The governor highlighted that the state has already completed the construction of one smart school, with contracts awarded for nine more. An ambitious target of an additional 250 smart schools is set to be achieved in less than 14 months.
Key Features of the Smart Schools:
Each smart school will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including:
- Internet access
- Solar power
- Modern ICT center
- Robotics and artificial intelligence center
- Two well-equipped laboratories for primary and junior secondary schools
- Creative production studio
- 25 inclusive classrooms with interactive digital whiteboards
- Android tablets for pupil use
Governor Mbah articulated:
To achieve this goal, we have dedicated 30 percent of our state budget to education in 2024, exceeding the recommended international benchmark.
Significantly, the completion of one smart school construction and the awarding of contracts for nine additional schools highlight our progress. Additionally, an ambitious initiative is in motion to build 250 more smart schools within the next 14 months, ensuring comprehensive coverage across all 260 wards in the state.
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Governor Mbah disclosed that teachers selected to lead the model smart schools are currently undergoing training facilitated by global experts, ensuring they are well-prepared for the innovative educational environment.
In his own words, he stated, "Education remains our greatest weapon in the war against poverty. Under my leadership, the Enugu State educational system will witness radical changes. We have prioritized basic education and designed a revolutionary strategy to revamp the entire educational system in the state."
He further expressed optimism that the investment in the smart school initiative would lay a solid foundation for the future, saying, "Our dream for the Enugu State educational system would outlive us. That foundation is what we are laying now, and we're hopeful that posterity will benefit from it."
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The Governor commended the management of ESUT for their contributions to the institution and expressed gratitude for being invited to deliver a keynote speech at the convocation ceremony. The governor's commitment to transforming education in Enugu State reflects a broader vision for sustainable development and prosperity.
