The Chairman of the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), Prof. Hyginus Okibe, has marked three years of service on the Board, highlighting what he described as a period of remarkable transformation, innovation and unprecedented investment in basic education across Enugu State.
Okibe, who was appointed to the Board on August 23, 2023, said the anniversary offered him an opportunity to appreciate God for the grace, life and strength to serve, while expressing gratitude to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for entrusting him with the responsibility of contributing to the transformation of the state’s basic education system.
He noted that his three years in ENSUBEB comprised barely one year as Permanent Member 2 and two years as Executive Chairman, describing the period as an experience that had deepened his passion for public service and his determination to pursue ambitious targets despite the challenges associated with changing established practices.
According to him, the reforms undertaken during the period were designed to move Enugu’s public basic education system away from outdated approaches and dilapidated infrastructure towards a modern, technology-driven and innovation-based learning environment.
One of the major milestones he highlighted was the development of more than 267 Smart Green Schools across the state under the administration of Governor Mbah.
Okibe described the transformation as historic, saying he was privileged to be part of the process that facilitated the transition from deteriorating infrastructure in public basic schools to modern educational facilities, as well as from largely analogue methods of instruction and pedagogy to digital knowledge and experiential learning.
He said the three-year period had witnessed significant investment in technology-enabled education, including the procurement of more than 30,000 Smart Interactive Boards, desktops, laptops and tablets to support learning across the Smart Green Schools.
According to the ENSUBEB chairman, Enugu State had become the first state to achieve such a milestone, with the facilities providing tangible evidence of the administration’s commitment to redefining the foundation of education in the state.
He further disclosed that the Smart Green Schools had been furnished with functional smart classrooms, while 65KVA solar power systems were being installed in the schools to provide regular and uninterrupted electricity.
He said internet connectivity was also being provided to support digital libraries, ICT centres, Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality studios, as well as robotics hubs, noting that these facilities were essential components of what makes the schools “Smart.”
Beyond digital infrastructure, Okibe said the schools were also receiving fully equipped science laboratories, with modern learning tools and research protocols covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics, in addition to mechatronics workshops designed to provide students with practical learning opportunities.
He stressed that such facilities were being introduced at the basic education level in Enugu State, describing the development as a significant departure from conventional approaches to foundational education.
The ENSUBEB chairman also highlighted the distribution of free school uniforms, sandals, bags and other teaching and learning materials to pupils, saying the initiative was aimed at giving children from disadvantaged backgrounds a renewed sense of hope and belonging.
He explained that the broader vision of Governor Mbah’s approach to universal basic education was to bridge the gap between children from affluent and less-privileged backgrounds by ensuring inclusive and equitable access to quality foundational education irrespective of economic status, social class or family circumstances.
Okibe further disclosed that the education reforms had also contributed significantly to employment and poverty reduction, with nearly 8,000 people employed by ENSUBEB under the new leadership.
He described the development as part of what he termed an uncommon level of investment in education by Governor Mbah, coupled with the commitment of the ENSUBEB team to translate government policies and plans into concrete, measurable and evidence-based results.
Reflecting on the challenges encountered, the ENSUBEB chairman acknowledged that the reforms had faced resistance from some quarters, particularly from those opposed to changes and innovations capable of disrupting established practices.
He also criticised attempts to politicise the transformation of the state’s education system and its adoption of emerging digital learning technologies, arguing that the future of children should not be compromised by ignorance, misinformation or resistance to innovation.
Okibe, however, said the transformation had continued to gather momentum, noting that Smart Green Schools, which were previously subjected to criticism and scepticism, had now become tangible facilities across wards in the state.
He expressed gratitude to God for the progress recorded, while reaffirming his commitment to continuing the work alongside his team and other stakeholders until the objectives of the education reforms are fully realised.
He pledged that ENSUBEB would continue to serve the people with dedication, love and friendship, with the ultimate goal of restoring dignity to education and equipping children in Enugu State with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to solve problems and contribute meaningfully to humanity.
While he marked the three-year milestone, Prof. Okibe said the anniversary was not only about celebrating achievements but also acknowledging challenges and remaining focused on the possibilities ahead.
He concluded with a message that has become synonymous with the administration’s transformation agenda: “Tomorrow Is Here.”
