Enugu State has claimed the top position in key performance indicators set by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) across the nation.
At the conclusion of a three-day meeting involving SUBEB chairmen and state commissioners of education, alongside UBEC Executive Secretary Aisha Garba and her management team in Abuja on Saturday, Enugu State’s outstanding achievements were highlighted and praised as exemplary by the commission.
UBEC reported that the state excelled in various categories, including the highest budget allocation to education, alignment with UBEC initiatives, successful access to matching grants, provision of modern infrastructure, and the introduction of skill-based subjects.
The commission emphasised that its evaluations were based on various indicators and noted that Enugu State allocated 33% of its budget to education, significantly exceeding the 26% benchmark set by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Furthermore, it highlighted that the state’s basic education programmes align with UBEC’s vision and initiatives, aimed at transforming universal basic education across the country.
Shortly after the event, the ENSUBEB Chairman, Prof Okibe Banko, remarked that the reports underscored Enugu State’s dedication to collaborating with UBEC and other stakeholders by addressing its backlog of unaccessed Matching Grants and successfully accessing UBEC-FI Matching Grants through to 2024.
“Our state was rated first in providing modern infrastructure, including the construction of 260 Smart Green Schools, enhancing enrolment and reducing the out-of-school population.
“Enugu State’s innovative educational approach was also acknowledged, with the introduction of skill-based subjects such as Robotics, Mechatronics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Experiential Learning, ensuring students are prepared for a rapidly evolving job market,” he added.
Expressing gratitude to the state governor, Dr Peter Mbah, for his prioritisation of education, Banko stated that Mbah’s leadership demonstrates a commitment to providing quality and accessible basic education for all school-age children in the state.
He attributed the state’s impressive performance in UBEC’s indicators to the discipline, dedication, and compassion the governor has for his constituents, asserting that the new skill sets introduced in basic education will equip pupils and students to thrive as global citizens, capable of competing on the world stage.
“The advancements we are witnessing today will enhance the state’s education sector and offer quality learning opportunities for its citizens. This is precisely what our governor has aimed to achieve since the inception of his administration, and it is now yielding significant results.
“I want to take this opportunity to commend our esteemed governor for his bold vision and commitment to the state. His selfless vision has positioned Enugu as a benchmark for other states.
“On our part, these recognitions challenge us to strive for even greater accomplishments. We will not rest until we produce self-reliant students who embody our aspiration of nurturing the leaders of tomorrow in all aspects of technology,” he concluded.
