Governor Peter Mbah Launches Experiential Learning and Innovation Center in Enugu

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has inaugurated the construction of an Experiential Learning and Innovation Center as part of the Smart Eco-Friendly School Sustainability Plan. The center, located at the Enugu State College of Education (Technical), Enugu, is set to include 25 classrooms, an ICT center, a library, and high-tech offices and equipment. It aims to train teachers in digital technology, innovation, mechatronics, artificial intelligence, robotics, and other related fields, which will be essential for knowledge transfer across 260 smart schools in the state.

Announcing the project over the weekend, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ndubueze Mbah, emphasized that the center would be a cornerstone in creating a skilled workforce, improving the quality of educators, and preparing students for future challenges. This initiative aligns with the administration’s priorities, including achieving zero poverty in the state.

Governor Mbah highlighted that the Experiential Learning and Innovation Center is designed to ensure that all prospective teachers in Enugu are well-versed in the Smart Eco-Schools model before they graduate from the Enugu State College of Education (Technical).

“Before teachers are allowed to teach in our smart schools, they will be required to spend time at the experiential learning and innovation centers to develop the necessary teaching skills to thrive in a smart learning environment,” the governor stated.

He explained that experiential learning supports students in learning by doing, transitioning from a lecture-based approach to one where teachers design programs that engage students in activities and problem-solving. “This approach is highly relevant to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as it encourages students and teachers to identify local problems and develop solutions that align with the SDGs,” he added.

Governor Mbah expressed his gratitude to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TetFund) for funding the project, acknowledging that it significantly boosts government investment in education. He noted that TetFund recognized the innovative efforts in Enugu’s education sector and chose the Enugu State College of Education (Technical) as a dynamic institution worthy of such investment.

Dr. Stella Ekwueme, the Provost of the college, also praised Governor Mbah for his leadership in advancing education within a short period. She commended TetFund for partnering with the Enugu State Government on this project, which she believes will revolutionize education in both the state and the country.