Ogona Anita
The administration of (Dr) Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, clearly signposted education as a cornerstone of its development agenda. That commitment has since translated into decisive action ranging from massive infrastructure renewal to forward looking curriculum reforms aimed at repositioning the sector for global competitiveness.
The rollout of Smart Green Schools across all 260 political wards in the state marked a bold intervention in basic education, ensuring equitable access to modern learning facilities at the grassroots. This initiative is set to be reinforced with the launch of Smart Secondary Schools next year, while Technical and Vocational Colleges are already emerging in the zonal and federal constituency levels, aligning education with employability and skills acquisition.
Beyond bricks, mortar, and curriculum, the Mbah administration has demonstrated a deeper understanding of what truly drives learning outcomes. Education, it recognises, does not thrive on infrastructure alone. A hungry child cannot concentrate, reason effectively, or realise his or her full academic potential. It is against this backdrop that the state government has earmarked an impressive ₦30 billion in the 2026 budget for a comprehensive school feeding programme.
This investment underscores a holistic vision of education, one that integrates intellectual development with physical wellbeing. Under the programme, students are to receive at least two meals daily, including one nutritionally balanced meal. The implication is profound as learners will engage fully in classroom activities without the distraction of hunger, while receiving the nutritional support necessary for healthy growth, cognitive development, and improved academic performance.
The benefits extend well beyond the classroom. By shouldering a significant portion of children’s daily feeding, the programme will substantially ease the financial burden on millions of parents and guardians, particularly those from low and middle income households. In doing so, it also encourages school attendance and retention, as families are reassured that their children are not only learning but are also well cared for.
In earmarking ₦30 billion for school feeding, the Enugu State Government has once again shown that development is most impactful when policies are people centred, practical, and forward thinking. The initiative reinforces the administration’s reputation for innovation and effectiveness, and further cements education as both a social investment and a catalyst for long-term prosperity in Enugu State.
Finally, parents who run away from sending their children to school on account of feeding money have no reason to do so now. Education is a fundamental human rights issue and parents should plug into this initiative and stop sending their children or wards to go hawking while others are in school.
By Wordshot Amaechi Ug,
