Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform— October 7, 2026.
ENUGU State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has called for a national emergency in the education sector, stressing the need for urgent, coordinated action to address challenges confronting Nigeria’s educational system.
The governor’s call coincided with the unveiling of a new Enugu State education policy designed to provide strategic direction for reforms over the next six to ten years.
The policy is expected to serve as a framework for strengthening education delivery, improving learning outcomes and aligning educational development with the changing demands of society, technology and the economy.
Mbah: Education Must Be Treated as a National Emergency
Speaking at the 2026 Enugu Education Summit held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, on October 7, Governor Mbah maintained that education must be treated as a national emergency not merely in public statements, but through concrete commitments to funding, teacher development, infrastructure and improved learning standards.
He called for stronger collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, development agencies, communities and the private sector to ensure that every Nigerian child has access to quality education, regardless of where they are born.
The governor also emphasised the connection between education, poverty reduction, employment creation and national economic development, arguing that Nigeria must equip young people with the knowledge and technical skills required to innovate, create businesses and contribute meaningfully to society.
Education Policy to Guide Reforms for Six to Ten Years
Unveiling the new policy, Mbah explained that the framework was already being implemented and would serve as a benchmark for the state’s education sector over the next six to ten years.
The policy is intended to provide a structured direction for education planning, curriculum development, teacher capacity-building and the adoption of modern learning approaches that prepare students for future opportunities.
The governor said Enugu’s approach went beyond renovating existing classrooms or supplying equipment, stressing the need for a broader transformation of the education system to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
Enugu Highlights Investment in Education
At the summit, Mbah disclosed that his administration had allocated 33 per cent of the state’s annual budget to education for three consecutive years. He also highlighted the development of 268 Smart Green Schools and more than 7,000 classrooms equipped with modern learning facilities, according to the state government.
Representatives of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the British Council also highlighted education initiatives in the state and the importance of sustained investment, teacher development, digital literacy and improved learning outcomes.
UNICEF disclosed that it had supported the development of the Enugu State Education Sector Plan 2026–2035, while UNESCO highlighted the Smart Green Schools initiative and the proposed recruitment of more than 6,000 teachers.
The summit concluded with the formal unveiling of the education policy and an exhibition showcasing innovations developed by students of the state’s Smart Green Schools.
THE WAY FORWARD
The implementation of the policy will be important in translating the state’s education priorities into measurable improvements in access, teaching quality and student performance.
Sustained financing, effective monitoring, teacher support and transparent assessment of learning outcomes will be essential to determining whether the reforms achieve their intended objectives over the coming years.
Governor Mbah’s call for a national emergency in education also places renewed attention on the need for coordinated action across all levels of government to address Nigeria’s education challenges and prepare young people for the future.
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