The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has commended the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, for his administration’s Smart Schools initiative, describing it as transformative and forward-looking, while expressing readiness to partner with the state on education and cultural development.
The commendation was delivered by the Head of UNESCO Office and Representative in Nigeria, Jean‑Paul Ngome Abiaga, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Enugu, where he led a high-level delegation.
Abiaga said the global body was impressed by the scale, speed, and vision driving the state’s education reforms, noting that UNESCO’s core mandate on education aligns strongly with the initiatives being implemented in Enugu State, particularly the establishment of over 260 Smart Green Schools.
“We came first to appreciate the good work you and your team are doing here in Enugu. Your focus on human capital development is extremely important, and the development of the Smart Schools is remarkable,” he said.
“We see strong complementarity between what you are implementing here and UNESCO’s programs in Nigeria,” Abiaga added.
He explained that the visit formed part of ongoing engagements aimed at deepening collaboration between UNESCO and Enugu State across key sectors, including education, teacher development, culture, and youth empowerment.
Abiaga disclosed that UNESCO, in partnership with the European Union, is currently implementing a $5 million education support programme in six Nigerian states, including Enugu. He further revealed plans to train no fewer than 2,183 teachers in ICT and digital pedagogy to strengthen teaching capacity and align with the Smart Schools initiative.
He emphasised that while infrastructure development is commendable, the real impact lies in equipping teachers with modern skills for technology-driven classrooms.
“We believe it will be beneficial to join forces with the state to further develop smart teaching systems, especially focusing on teachers. Equipment and infrastructure must go hand-in-hand with human capital development,” he said.
Beyond education, Abiaga highlighted UNESCO’s interest in promoting and preserving Igbo cultural heritage. He noted that the organisation had already supported the National Museum in Enugu with security infrastructure, including surveillance systems, and expressed readiness to expand efforts in documenting and showcasing the region’s cultural assets for global recognition.
Responding, Governor Mbah welcomed the UNESCO delegation and described Enugu as the historical and cultural hub of the Igbo people. He reiterated his administration’s strong commitment to education, noting that over 30 per cent of the state’s budget has consistently been allocated to the sector, surpassing UNESCO’s recommended benchmark.
“We are unapologetically obsessed with education because we know that our future depends on it,” Mbah said.
“What we have done is not just about buildings; it is about changing the narrative and equipping our children with the skills needed for the future,” he added.
The governor disclosed that the state has constructed over 7,000 classrooms and established 267 Smart Green Schools across all political wards to ensure equitable access to quality education. He stressed that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure to include curriculum reform, experiential learning, and the integration of advanced technologies such as robotics, mechatronics, and 3D printing.
Mbah further explained that the state has shifted from rote learning to experiential education aimed at fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation among students from an early age. To support this approach, the government established a Centre for Experiential Learning and Innovation to equip teachers with digital teaching competencies.
He welcomed UNESCO’s proposed teacher training programme, describing it as timely and consistent with the state’s efforts to build a digitally skilled teaching workforce.
On cultural development, the governor highlighted Enugu’s rich heritage, including caves, waterfalls, and ancient landmarks, and called for UNESCO’s support in securing World Heritage Site recognition for notable locations such as the Nsude pyramids and ancient iron-smelting sites.
“We are proud of our heritage and ready to partner with UNESCO to preserve and showcase it to the world,” Mbah said.
