The Enugu State Government has successfully completed the first phase of an intensive teacher training programme for over 18,000 educators across public schools in preparation for the resumption of Smart Green Schools in September 2025.
This move is part of the major education reforms driven by Governor Peter Mbah’s administration, aiming to reposition the state’s education system through technology and innovation. The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, announced this during a seminar held in Enugu over the weekend.
According to Prof. Mbah, the teachers, both newly recruited and existing staff, underwent rigorous sessions focused on digital literacy and 21st-century instructional methods. These efforts are designed to align with Enugu’s plan to introduce smart classrooms, integrate digital tools, and promote Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in basic education.
“We are ushering in a new era where learners are equipped not just with facts, but with applicable knowledge and skills that are relevant in the modern world,” Prof. Mbah said.
He explained that the training programme was developed to shift the state’s education system away from rote memorisation toward interactive, experience-based learning. He also noted that without equipping teachers first, the state could not expect success in the strategic transformation it envisions.
“The Smart Green Schools, a flagship programme of the Mbah administration, aim to merge traditional learning with modern digital infrastructure,” he stated.
In addition to the digital focus, the training also featured hands-on sessions in vocational education, designed to prepare students for entrepreneurship and future job markets. Prof. Mbah highlighted the administration’s earlier efforts, including the Content Specialty Test and Digital Literacy Assessment conducted in August 2024.
“17,620 applicants sat for the test, but only 16% passed the benchmark,” he said. “Those who qualified joined the existing 18,052 public school teachers to undergo further digital training to meet the new standards.”
He added that the digital training would improve teacher efficiency and enhance students’ learning outcomes, particularly in underserved communities where education access is more limited. The high-quality teacher training programme, he said, is part of the Enugu State Teachers Professional Development Policy.
Prof. Mbah also announced that the second phase of the training would commence soon, with the state government partnering local governments across Enugu. He stressed that phase two would include practical implementation of digital tools in classrooms, continuous professional development, and targeted support for teachers in rural and urban areas alike.
“This is not just about learning how to use a computer or projector,” he said. “It’s about using digital tools to change how teaching happens, to bring education to life, and to ensure our children are future-ready.”
As Nigeria faces growing pressure to improve access to quality education, Enugu’s reform efforts are becoming a reference point. The government’s emphasis on digital literacy, education technology, and teacher training supports broader goals to improve Nigeria’s education system and develop a globally competitive workforce.
Prof. Mbah also pointed out that these initiatives are directly linked to the state’s Education Transformation Plan 2025–2035. This long-term plan envisions a school system that is globally competitive while staying locally relevant.
“Our students will not just consume knowledge; they will create it, apply it, and profit from it,” he said.
He commended Governor Mbah for making education a top priority in the state’s development agenda. According to him, Enugu now has the highest subnational education budget in Nigeria, a bold move that signals strong political will and commitment.
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“This kind of financial prioritisation is rare and shows that our governor understands that the future of any state lies in the quality of its education,” he added.