Gov. Mbah Reaffirms Church’s Role in Education, Calls for Stronger Partnership with Government.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform — October 29, 2026.
THE GOVERNOR of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has received an Award of Excellence from the Canon Law Society of Nigeria (CLSN) in recognition of his accomplishments in the governance of the state.
The award was presented during the 38th Convention of the Canon Law Society of Nigeria, held in Enugu on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The event also featured the celebration of the 95th birthday of the society’s founder and former Catholic Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Anthony Gbuji.
According to a report by Independent Newspaper Nigeria, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, presented the award to Governor Mbah at the event.
Mbah Reaffirms Church’s Place in Education
Speaking at the convention, Governor Mbah reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with Church-owned educational institutions, describing the Church as an indispensable partner in the state’s education transformation agenda.
In his keynote address, titled “Role of the Church in Shaping Education and Development in Enugu State,” the governor addressed concerns over the future of mission schools amid the government’s investments in public education through its Smart Green Schools initiative.
He acknowledged the historic contributions of Catholic missionaries and other Church institutions to education across Enugu State, the former Eastern Region and Nigeria, noting their role in establishing schools, training teachers and expanding access to learning.
Mbah stressed that government investment in education should not disconnect Church educators from the state’s evolving education system. Instead, he called for stronger collaboration that would enable both public and mission schools to contribute to improved learning outcomes.
Government Promises Inclusive Teacher Development
The governor also indicated that teachers in Church-owned schools should benefit from professional development opportunities being introduced under the state’s education reforms.
He disclosed that Catholic priests were already being incorporated into the training process, adding that educators across both public and Church-owned institutions should acquire the skills needed to implement emerging teaching methods.
According to him, the transition would require cooperation on practical issues, including teacher training, standards, resources and implementation, while preserving the values and traditions that have shaped mission education.
Education, Values and Responsible Citizenship
Beyond academic achievement, Governor Mbah highlighted the importance of moral formation and social responsibility, arguing that education should prepare young people not only for professional success but also for meaningful contributions to society.
He acknowledged the Church’s longstanding role in nurturing values and a sense of responsibility among generations of Nigerians.
The recognition by the Canon Law Society of Nigeria adds to the honours received by the governor during his tenure. However, the society’s award was specifically presented at the convention in recognition of his accomplishments in the governance of Enugu State.
A Call for Sustained Partnership
The convention also featured remarks by Most Rev. Ernest Obodo, Chairman of the Canon Law Committee of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu, who urged Catholic priests to uphold the provisions of Canon Law, particularly Canon 287, regarding partisan political activities.
The discussions underscored the importance of ethical leadership, institutional responsibility and constructive engagement between religious institutions and public authorities.
For Enugu State, the governor’s address placed renewed emphasis on collaboration between government and the Church in strengthening education, preserving valuable institutions and preparing young people for the future.
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