Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has unveiled bold plans to establish two new state-owned universities and eight Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges as part of his administration’s drive to position Enugu as a national hub for innovation, education, and diaspora collaboration.

 

Speaking at the launch of the Diaspora Bridge Platform at the State House in Abuja on Monday, Governor Mbah emphasized the state’s unwavering commitment to education and human capital development.

 

“As part of our strategic investment in education and innovation, Enugu State will soon establish two new universities – the Enugu State University of Education and Technology (ESUET) and the Enugu State University of Agriculture and Technology (ESUAT),” the governor announced.

 

He also revealed plans for eight new TVET colleges, with one located in each federal constituency, as well as the launch of 260 Smart Green Schools set to begin operations by September.

 

“Our goal is to make Enugu a leading centre for applied learning and innovation, leveraging tools like Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and Simulation to transform the learning experience beyond Sustainable Development Goals milestones,” he said.

 

The Diaspora Bridge Platform, a digital initiative launched by the Federal Ministry of Education, seeks to connect Nigerian professionals in the diaspora with local tertiary institutions for collaboration in research, teaching, and innovation, particularly in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine).

 

Governor Mbah hailed the initiative as a timely and visionary step toward harnessing Nigeria’s global human capital. “For too long, the diaspora’s contributions have been seen mostly through the lens of remittances. Today, we are expanding that view to include skills, expertise, and innovation,” he noted.

 

He applauded Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa for spearheading the project, describing it as “an urgent call to reconnect global expertise with local purpose.”

 

“Let Enugu State be your partner of choice in this national rebirth,” Mbah concluded.