****AS GOV. MBAH INAUGURATES STEERING COMMITTEE*
By Tessy Ezeh
Enugu State has launched the second phase of the Education and Youth Empowerment in Nigeria project, an initiative backed by the European Union and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (EU-UNESCO) aimed at boosting teacher capacity and resilience.
Known as the Expand, Integrate and Strengthen Systems (EISS) project, it targets improved teacher training and system governance across six Nigerian states.
Originally launched nationally in July 2024 in Abuja, the Enugu rollout marks a critical step in enhancing teacher recruitment, professional development, and education policy.
A 2023 needs assessment by UNESCO revealed key challenges in teacher quality, especially in private schools, and highlighted the need for digital integration, inclusivity, and climate education in curricula.
Governor Peter Mbah, during his keynote address, stated that his administration was not only building smart schools but smart teachers, smart classrooms and a smart generation of learners.
Aimed at expanding, integrating and strengthening teachers’ capacity and resilience, the Governor, represented by the Special Adviser (SPA) on education, Dr. Chinyere Onyeisi added that he did not doubt that the engagement would be fruitful.
While inaugurating the committee in that launch and inception meeting of the EU-UNESCO project, the Governor stated that the Enugu State government was fully committed to providing an enabling environment, quality support, and collaborative engagement needed to ensure full implementation of the EU-UNESCO programme.
Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Education, Enugu State, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ochi Patrick, appreciated the initiative as investing in education became critical to achieving a prosperous tomorrow.
“This initiative comes at a critical time for Enugu State as we strive to expand, integrate, and strengthen our educational system to meet the needs of the 21st century. As a State, we feel honoured to be among the six selected states in Nigeria to pioneer this project.
“Investing in education therefore became a major strategy of the Enugu State Government to achieving a prosperous tomorrow. For two years running, the Government has committed 33 per cent of its budget to education. The result is the ongoing massive transformation in the education sector, with 260 Smart Green Schools being established in the 260 political wards across the State.
“We commend the EU and UNESCO for their unwavering commitment to supporting education in our state. Your partnership and technical support will help us to bridge historic gaps, equip our teachers with the competencies to deliver a world-class education to our children, and empower our youth with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
In his address, the Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, Mr. Albert Mendy represented by Mr. Manish Josh reaffirmed their organizational commitment to the Education 2030 Agenda and announced the deployment of a resident Programme Assistant in Enugu to support implementation efforts.
The Secretary-General Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO, Dr Olagunju Idowu Lateef in a goodwill message, stressed that empowering teachers through continuous training, peer collaboration, mentorship, and the integration of technology is critical to reducing attrition, improving student outcomes, and nurturing future changemakers.
“The growth and well-being of teachers must be at the heart of our education strategy,” the Secretary-General said, encouraging Enugu State to fully utilize the opportunity as one of six selected states participating in the EU-UNESCO initiative.
The Registrar of Teachers, Enugu State, Dr. Ify Eze pointed out that the programme came at a time when the nation’s future depended more than ever on the strength of its human capital, adding that the initiative shines as a beacon of hope and progress.
She added that focusing on strengthening systems that support education, empowering youth, and enhancing the capacity and resilience of our teachers, speaks directly to the heart of sustainable development in Nigeria.
“Teachers are the backbone of any thriving educational system,” she stated. “Their empowerment ensures not just quality education today but a brighter future for the next generation,” Dr Eze said.
In that two-day programme, Mr Anthony Ogunniyi took participants on the project implementation plan and the roles of key stakeholders.
The EU-UNESCO Consultant,Mrs Paulina Palms presented an intensive Report on needs Assessment while Magdalene Anene Maidoh shed light on the Overview of the project.
Delivering a vote of thanks, The Honourable Commissioner of Education ably represented by the Permanent Secretary Dr. Patrick Ochi expressed his profound gratitude to
His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for unwavering
support for Education development in the state,appreciating our International partners for their commitment for empowering our youths and strengthening our education system adding that he looks forward to the fruitful outcome of this collaboration.
Also in a vote of thanks, Stephen Onyekwelu appreciated the Hon commissioner for Education,all the Commissioners that are represented, the permanent Secretaries present, the focal person Mike Mba, the participants, organizers and Technical groups adding that their insights and expertise we have well informed Technical groups.
Dignitaries present were 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
Others were 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.
