Connect with us

News

Our educational model, the root cause of Nigeria’s underdevelopment, says Gov Mbah

Published

on

Gov Peter Mbah
Spread the love

…Pushes for a paradigm shift

…Directs Enugu tertiary institutions to deliver experiential learning

…Why Enugu is Spending 33% of annual budget on education

Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has called for a paradigm shift in Nigeria’s current education model, saying it cannot deliver the much-needed speedy development and economic transformation.

Mbah therefore, advocated for a shift from rote or memorisation to experiential learning, which he described as the missing link between education, industrialisation, and GDP growth.

He stated this on Tuesday while delivering the 1st Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Distinguished Personalities Lecture Series entitled “Experiential Learning: Building the Wealth of the Nation.”

“Why do Nigerian universities seldom feature on the global ranking list of world’s best universities? Why have they seemed perennially unable to become the ideas factory which universities ought to be? Why are our universities not producing inventive graduates?

“The answers to these questions lie in many inconvenient truths, amongst which is the fact that the learning in our schools, from basic to tertiary, has for years not imbued our young people with productive skills and competencies. This is the root cause of our underdevelopment,” he said.

He noted that knowledge has always been the prime lever for progress throughout human history, the reason he said nations like the US, China, Germany, and Netherlands, which invest the most in building a qualitative and experiential education ecosystem are the world’s leading economies – United States of America.

Maduka College Advert

Mbah, who is currently building 260 Smart Green Schools to power experiential learning in the 260 wards of Enugu State, stressed that by embedding the model from the basic to tertiary levels of education, Enugu was creating a seamless pipeline where students progress from foundational learning to practical innovation.

He also directed all state-owned tertiary institutions to deliver experiential learning going forward.

“So, we hereby announce as a policy that all state-owned tertiary institutions in Enugu State must henceforth deliver Experiential Learning to our children. We want to see this change reflected in planning, budget, curriculum reform, assessment and promotions, as well as research.

“Experiential learning ensures that education is deeply connected to the challenges and opportunities of the real world.

“It fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. It empowers students to see themselves not as passive learners, but as active problem-solvers,” he said.

Justifying his administration’s allocation of 33 per cent of the state’s budget to the education sector, Mbah regretted that whereas governments could be sacked in developed nations for a slight drop in standard in either of the sectors, most leaders spend more on physical infrastructure like roads, which yield immediate results and acclaim.

“Instructively, the most impactful policies are not necessarily those that create the biggest buzz. But they offer the clearest indices of human development.

“Nothing transforms lives and paves a path to a promising future like quality education. It is the reason why one-third of Enugu State’s total annual budget went into funding education.

“This translates to roughly twice UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 15 per cent – 20 per cent. What this means is that for every N100 Naira spent, N33 goes to the education budget.

“This funding has enabled us to implement both infrastructural and pedagogical overhaul of our education system.

“Our will has enabled us to begin a transition from a system where pupils seemed, to all intents and purposes, to be merely going through the motions of learning, to an ecosystem of experiential learning.

“Through our Smart Green Schools, we have introduced the ‘cut-off point’, whereby we target children from age three, and begin to inculcate in them social habits, health habits, fine motor skills, and problem-solving competencies, introducing them to an experiential education system that helps them to navigate our rapidly evolving technological knowledge-driven world.

“After three years of Early Childhood Education, having completed Nursery 1-3, our children complete Basic 1-9. During their twelve-year academic study in the Enugu Smart Green Schools, our children learn with interactive digital whiteboards, tablets, and computers; they are immersed in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual/Augmented Reality, and Internet of Things, among others.

“Upon graduating from the Smart Green Schools, about one-quarter of our children will proceed to Technical and Vocational Schools focusing on key competencies like Industrial and Information Technology, Building and Fabrication Engineering, as well as Industrial Agriculture, with the objective to become respected and skilled professionals, highly valued for their expertise.”

He said his administration was already constructing eight Science, Technical, and Vocational (STV) schools across Enugu State, starting from the Government Technical College (GTC), Enugu.

Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Prof. Alloysius-Michael Okolie; Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of ESUT Governing Council, Sir Chinyeaka Oha and chairman of the public lecture, Prof. Obiora Ike, commended Mbah for his huge investments in the education sector and the transformational leadership cutting across all sectors.

Also, the governor, during the visit, commissioned the Dr. Peter Mbah Multipurpose Auditorium, named after him by ESUT leadership, in appreciation of his immense impacts and contributions to the repositioning of the institution in a short time.

News

Terror attack rumour: UNN beefs up security on Nsukka Campus, bans okada riders

Published

on

Spread the love

The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has assured staff, students and parents of adequate security on campus, dismissing as false and unsubstantiated reports circulating on social media about an alleged impending terrorist attack and mass abduction of students.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Inya Agha Egwu, the institution said there was no credible security intelligence or verified threat supporting the claims contained in the viral social media post.

The university, however, disclosed that it had adopted additional precautionary measures to further strengthen security across the Nsukka campus.

According to the statement, personnel of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army have been deployed to strategic entry points within the university to complement the efforts of the institution’s security unit.

Management also announced the temporary closure of some access gates to the campus to enhance monitoring and regulation of movement into and out of the university.

As part of the new security measures, motorcycle operations within the campus have been suspended with immediate effect. Only motorcycles belonging to authorised security personnel will be allowed beyond the university gates.

Maduka College Advert

Staff members who use motorcycles for transportation have been advised to park them at designated locations outside the campus before proceeding to their offices.

The university urged members of the academic community to remain calm and continue their normal activities without fear, stressing that there was no known security threat to the institution.

It also cautioned against the spread of unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic and anxiety among students, staff and the general public.
While reiterating its commitment to maintaining a safe environment for teaching, learning and research, the management encouraged students and staff to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movement or activity to the University Security Department or relevant security agencies.

“Security is a collective responsibility, and the cooperation of all staff, students and stakeholders is essential in maintaining the peaceful and secure environment for which the University of Nigeria is known,” the statement said.

The university further advised the public to treat anonymous social media posts and unverified online messages with caution, particularly those containing sensational claims intended to generate fear and uncertainty.

Continue Reading

News

How police rescued Adelabu’s sister and her twin sons in kidnappers’ den (Video)

Published

on

The rescued victims
Spread the love
A video circulating online has shown the moment operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) rescued the abducted sister of the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, from suspected kidnappers in Oyo State.

The footage captured heavily armed operatives storming a suspected hideout where the victims were allegedly being held after spending several days in captivity.

In the video, a suspected kidnapper was seen attempting to evade arrest by hiding inside the ceiling of the building.

However, police operatives discovered his location during the raid and brought him down before securing the premises.

It was gathered that during the operation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded during a gun battle with security personnel, while several others escaped with gunshot

The victims were subsequently rescued unharmed and evacuated from the scene.

Police confirm rescue operation

Get News Updates on WhatsAppReceive instant breaking news, headlines, and trending stories as they happen.

Confirming the development, the Force Public Relations Officer, DSP Anthony Placid, said the victims were rescued during a coordinated operation by the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT).

Maduka College Advert

In a statement issued late Saturday, Placid said the rescue followed days of intensive intelligence gathering and surveillance.

“The Nigeria Police Force announces the successful rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were abducted on June 3, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State,” he said.

According to the police spokesperson, the operation took place at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6.

“The hostages were rescued during a coordinated operation by the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) in Ibadan at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026.”

Placid explained that the victims were kidnapped while Mrs. Adegoke was driving her children to school on the morning of June 3.

“Mrs. Adegoke and her children were abducted while she was driving them to school at about 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026.”

Two suspects killed, Rifles recovered

The police said intelligence-driven operations enabled investigators to track the movements of the kidnappers and locate their hideout.

“The rescue was achieved through sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical operations. These efforts enabled investigators to track the kidnappers’ movements, resulting in a confrontation with FID-IRT operatives.”

During the confrontation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded.

“During the confrontation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded and two rifles were recovered. The victims were rescued unharmed and are now in safe custody, receiving medical care and support.”

The police added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate who fled during the operation.

“Security operatives have intensified efforts in the area to apprehend fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate. Preliminary intelligence indicates that some suspects escaped with gunshot injuries. Operations are ongoing to track, arrest, and bring all involved to justice.”

Family Thanks Tinubu, Makinde, Security Agencies

Meanwhile, the family of Chief Adebayo Adelabu confirmed the safe rescue of the victims and expressed gratitude to Nigerians, security agencies, and government officials for their support throughout the ordeal.

In a statement signed by Adelabu’s media aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro, the family described the rescue as a testament to the effectiveness of coordinated security efforts.

“We are delighted to announce that the victims have been rescued safely and are in good condition.”

“This outcome is a testament to the power of collective action, unwavering commitment, and the resilience of our security institutions when adequately supported by citizens and government at all levels.”

The family also thanked President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Oyo State Police Command, and other stakeholders for their intervention.

Rescue Comes Amid Security Concerns in Oyo

The successful operation comes at a time of heightened security concerns in Oyo State following the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

About 39 pupils and seven teachers were kidnapped during attacks on schools in the area on May 15, sparking public outrage and protests by education stakeholders and civil society groups.

While celebrating the release of Adelabu’s sister and her children, the family said its thoughts remained with other victims still being held captive across the country.

“This experience has once again demonstrated that insecurity is a challenge that transcends partisan politics, ethnicity, religion and social status. Together, we can build a nation where every citizen feels safe, protected and free to pursue legitimate aspirations without fear.”

The police have assured residents that operations are continuing to dismantle the remaining members of the kidnapping network and bring all those involved to justice.

Continue Reading

News

ESUT lecturer breaks down in tears as students surprise her with gifts (Video)

Published

on

The students with the female lecturer
Spread the love
An emotional moment unfolded at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) when a female lecturer was brought to tears after her students surprised her with gifts in appreciation of her dedication and impact on their academic journey.

The surprise took place during a lecture session as students presented the lecturer with several gifts, including wrappers, packs of bottled water, a black handbag, household items and other wrapped presents.

Overwhelmed by the gesture, the lecturer became emotional as the students celebrated and applauded her for the positive role she has played in their lives.

Reacting one @nwaeze5056 said, “That’s my lecturer y’all ❤️❤️🤭…the best mother to us ..so kind and looking out for us..she deserves moreeee good things❤️.”

ekeneudemadu wrote, “This method of appreciation is therapeutic and relieving. 👏.”

ak_aifyscollection remarked, “I bought my lecturer a Gold chain n pendant the day I graduated n she cried heavily!! That woman really helped me in life though she later died a yr after we graduated !May her soul continue to rest in peace amen !!!i missed my final day exam n it was her course,that woman gave me a “B” n said her mind told her that I was under an attack for me to wake up n not rember it was my final day exams😭😭😭😭😭I cried heavily that day.”

 

Maduka College Advert
mumboiz1 noted, “Her children must be proud of her, unlike those Mamas wey dey follow Tinubu dey campaign.. 😀.”

 

abikefabricsng added. “She is indeed a good mother. She still dips her hand in the purse to give them money . God bless her good heart.”

Continue Reading

Trending

Maduka College Advert