Governor Nwifuru Marks Two Years with Major Educational Breakthroughs in Ebonyi State

Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru today marked his second year in office with a strong focus on achievements in the education sector, a cornerstone of his administration’s development agenda under the People’s Charter of Needs policy.

Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Nwifuru has prioritized education as a key driver of human capital development in Ebonyi State. In a report released by the state government to mark the anniversary, several initiatives, investments, and reforms in the sector were highlighted.

A total of 232 students from Ebonyi have been awarded full scholarships to study at universities in the United Kingdom, including the University of Bolton and Anglia Ruskin University. An additional 600 students have been sponsored to pursue Master’s and Doctoral degrees within Nigeria.

At the Ebonyi State University (EBSU), the government has released ₦700 million in subvention and increased the institution’s monthly allocation from ₦150 million to ₦280 million. Tuition fees were reduced by 10%, and the payment process was made more flexible with a new installment policy. Academic and non-academic staff also received salary increases of 20% and 10% respectively.

Several infrastructure projects are ongoing in higher institutions across the state, including the construction of a Senate building, 8 hostel blocks, and 12 faculty buildings at the newly established University of ICT, Oferekpe, and the University of Aeronautic Engineering. Primary and secondary education has also benefited, with the construction of 32 new primary school classroom blocks and 41 model secondary school buildings underway.

The state has implemented the national policy on extending the retirement age of teachers to 65 years or 40 years of service, whichever comes first. New junior staff quarters are also being built within tertiary institutions to improve staff accommodation.

The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Engr. Jude Chikadibia Okpor, said the Governor’s commitment to education is part of a broader plan to empower Ebonyians through access to quality learning and modern academic facilities.

“Education remains at the heart of our development strategy. The governor has shown consistent leadership in ensuring that every child in Ebonyi has the opportunity to learn in a conducive environment, while our higher institutions receive the funding and infrastructure needed to thrive,” the Commissioner stated.

Observers have noted that the government’s education efforts align with national goals of improving access, equity, and quality in the sector. The administration has pledged to continue investing in learning institutions and student welfare as it enters the second half of its term.

The two-year anniversary report also noted progress in health, agriculture, public service reform, infrastructure, and other sectors, but emphasized that education remains a top priority for the Nwifuru-led government.