ENUGU STATE: Governor Pledges 30% of 2024 Budget to Education
Governor Mbah Allocates 30% of 2024 Budget to Enhance Education In The State
Mary Nwaeze 
Enugu State Governor has declared that his administration is set to allocate 30% of the state's 2024 budget to the educational sector. The governor made this proclamation during his keynote address at the 19th convocation ceremony of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani, held on Saturday.
Governor Mbah emphasized that education stands as the state's most potent weapon against poverty. During his address, he expressed his commitment to ensuring that every child, even in the remotest parts of the state, receives a world-class education equipped with 21st-century tools.
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Mbah, who also serves as the visitor to the university, outlined the most radical changes in education under his administration, particularly focusing on the realm of basic education.
"In my view, education is probably our greatest weapon in our war against poverty in the medium to long run," Governor Mbah stated. "This is why we have designed and are implementing a most revolutionary strategy to revamp the current educational system."
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The governor unveiled plans to overhaul the educational system from basic schools through secondary to tertiary institutions like the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). He revealed that in 2024, the state would allocate close to 30% of its budget to education, surpassing the recommended international benchmark.
Governor Mbah highlighted the completion of one smart school and the awarding of contracts for an additional nine. Furthermore, he announced the upcoming construction of 250 more smart schools within 14 months, covering all 260 wards in the state. These smart schools are envisioned to be equipped with cutting-edge facilities, including internet access, solar power, robotics and artificial intelligence centers, modern ICT centers, laboratories, and interactive digital whiteboards.
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The governor commended the ESUT management for aligning with the government's vision for tertiary education. In turn, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Alloysius-Michaels Okolie, expressed gratitude to Governor Mbah for his visionary approach to education and the substantial support extended to ESUT.
The convocation ceremony also featured the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on distinguished individuals, including Osagie Okunbor, Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, Ike Chioke, Group Managing Director of Afrivest West Africa Ltd, and Surv Ugochukwu Chime, a prominent estate developer. Additionally, outstanding students, led by the best-graduating student, Miss Barbara Ijeoma Ikeonyia, received recognitions and cash awards.
