Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has unveiled plans to elevate Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, to the status of a University of Agriculture within the next two years.
Announced by the state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, during an Education Summit hosted by the Polytechnic, this move underscores the government’s dedication to education. Governor Mbah highlighted the substantial allocation of 33 percent of the state budget to education, significantly surpassing the 15 to 20 percent benchmark set by international bodies like UNICEF and the World Bank.
“This transformative initiative aligns with our shared vision of achieving a food-secure state. Upgrading ESPOLY to the Enugu State University of Agriculture is a strategic step towards breaking the chains of underdevelopment and poverty,” Governor Mbah declared.
Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Nnamdi Nwankwo, Rector of Enugu State Polytechnic, praised Governor Mbah for the Green Smart School Concept, urging other educational leaders to adopt this progressive model to enhance educational outcomes in the state.
“Our objective is to create a tertiary institution ready to integrate the Smart School students who will soon be entering higher education,” Fr. Nwankwo remarked.
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He also highlighted the pressing challenges faced by the polytechnic, including the need for perimeter fencing, the construction of 200-room hostels, a 1,000-seat auditorium, an ICT block, and an entrepreneurship centre. Fr. Nwankwo called on stakeholders to collaborate with the institution to meet these needs and propel its development forward.
Furthermore, Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West Senatorial District, commended the polytechnic’s management for their efforts in revitalizing the school. Represented by Prof. Ikechukwu Orji, Senator Ngwu pledged his support to the institution, vowing to leverage his position to aid the polytechnic’s growth.