Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) received a distinguished guest on September 15, 2023, as the Commissioner of Education, Professor Ndubueze Mbah, and his management team embarked on a significant visit. In a parallel visit, the Commissioner also met with the House of Assembly Committee on Education, accompanied by representatives from the House Committees on Agriculture, Environment, and Infrastructure.
The visit commenced at ESUT, where the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education introduced the Commissioner and his team. The primary objective was to engage with the Vice-Chancellor and the university's management, to understand their vision, achievements, and how the government could effectively support ESUT's goals. Commissioner Mbah emphasized the pivotal role of education in the state's economic growth, aligning with the governor's ambitious plan to elevate the GDP from $4 billion to $30 billion annually.
Furthermore, the Commissioner stressed the importance of research, expressing the government's intention to foster collaborations between ESUT and international universities, particularly the University of Nigeria and New York State University systems. He urged ESUT to prioritize research and innovation, emphasizing the Ministry of Education's commitment to supporting the institution.
In response, ESUT's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Alloysius Okolie, expressed eagerness to collaborate with the Commissioner, highlighting the university's vision of promoting discipline, scholarship, and research. He acknowledged the challenges they had faced, including salary issues, but expressed optimism for the future.
The Registrar, Ambrose G. Ugwu, praised the Commissioner's visit and anticipated a harmonious working relationship.
A significant highlight of the visit was the inspection of the new Pharmacy Faculty building, symbolizing ongoing developments at ESUT.
Following the ESUT visit, Commissioner Ndubueze Mbah proceeded to the House of Assembly complex, where he engaged with the House Committees on Education, Agriculture, Environment, and Infrastructure. He shared the government's vision of transitioning from traditional education to a smart system, focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education and project-based learning.
The Commissioner announced plans to establish 260 SMART and integrated schools across Enugu State over the next four years, emphasizing digital technology integration, eco-restoration, and sustainable agriculture. He underlined the importance of industrial skills and experiential learning in BASIC education.
In response, Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Hon. Osita Eze, expressed support for the visionary education reforms, including new laws to align with the Commissioner's goals. Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Hon. Pius Ezugwu, commended the Commissioner's vision and suggested incorporating technological courses in universities to support these reforms.
Chairman Osita Eze requested a repeat visit by the Commissioner to address the larger House of Assembly, a proposal met with enthusiasm.
In conclusion, Chris Edenwatu, the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics in the Ministry of Education, delivered a vote of thanks, commending the House Committee members for their audience.
Attendees:
Hon. Commissioner and his management team
Hon. Members of the House Committee on Education
Representatives of the House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Land, and Environment
Reported by Tessy Eze, PRO Ministry of Education
