As part of sweeping reforms aimed at overhauling the public education system, the Enugu State Government has concluded the first phase of training for over 18,000 teachers in preparation for the rollout of its Smart Green Schools in September 2025.

The initiative, which is a cornerstone of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s education transformation agenda, is designed to equip public school teachers with the digital literacy and pedagogical skills required for 21st-century classrooms.

Announcing the development at a weekend seminar in Enugu, the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, disclosed that the training covered both newly recruited and existing teachers across the state’s public school system. He noted that the exercise marked a strategic shift from traditional rote-based learning to interactive, experiential, and technology-driven instruction.

“We are ushering in a new era where learners are not just crammed with facts, but are trained to apply knowledge, solve problems, and think critically,” Prof. Mbah said. “To achieve this, we must first prepare our teachers as the catalysts of this transformation.”

According to the commissioner, the training covered areas such as digital pedagogy, smart classroom management, and curriculum delivery through emerging technologies. The programme also included components of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), aimed at boosting students’ practical skills and entrepreneurial competence.

The commissioner recalled that the training followed a statewide digital literacy and content knowledge assessment held in August 2024, which saw 17,620 applicants undergo a rigorous computer-based test. Only 16% of participants met the benchmark, underscoring the need for extensive retraining and reorientation.

“These assessments helped us identify gaps and determine readiness. Those who passed the test, along with our existing 18,052 public school teachers, have now received robust training in modern teaching techniques,” he said.

Prof. Mbah also announced the commencement of phase two of the training programme, which will be implemented in collaboration with local government councils. This phase will focus more on the classroom application of digital tools, mentorship, and ongoing professional development, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

“This partnership with LGAs is critical to ensuring that no teacher or learner is left behind as we work to democratize access to quality education,” he added.

The commissioner further stated that more advanced training sessions and evaluations would be conducted ahead of the September launch of the Smart Green Schools. These schools, he explained, are equipped with modern infrastructure, internet connectivity, interactive boards, and new curriculum subjects aligned with global standards.

Prof. Mbah emphasized that the reforms are anchored on the Enugu State Education Transformation Plan 2025–2035, which seeks to reimagine education as a tool for economic growth, social inclusion, and technological advancement.

“Our Smart Green Schools are not just buildings; they are incubators of innovation. We want our students to be creators, innovators, and solution providers,” he said.

He also commended Governor Mbah’s administration for making education a top priority, noting that Enugu currently holds the highest subnational education budget allocation in Nigeria.

“This level of financial commitment is unprecedented and sends a clear message that Enugu is serious about building a future-proof education system,” the commissioner concluded