By Enyinna Omoke, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee on Education has commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for what it described as his remarkable commitment to revitalizing the education sector through strategic investments and people-oriented policies.
The Chairman of the Committee, Barr. Nwodo Aloysius Nwodo, gave the commendation during an oversight visit to the Ebonyi State College of Education, Ikwo, where he applauded the governor’s sustained efforts to reposition education as a catalyst for development in the state.
Nwodo, who represents Ebonyi North West Constituency, described Governor Nwifuru’s interventions -including massive investment in educational infrastructure, regular payment of institutional subventions, and the award of scholarships to 500 students undertaking a five-year degree programme at the College—as transformative and visionary.
According to him, the initiatives are laying a solid foundation for an educated, skilled, and empowered generation, while positioning Ebonyi’s education system as a model worthy of emulation across the country.
The Committee Chairman also praised the Provost of the College, Prof. Benedict Mbam, for his innovative leadership, which has seen the institution expand to 36 academic programmes alongside significant infrastructural development.
Other members of the Committee, including the Deputy Leader of the House, Joseph Ununu, Ifeanyi Nwakpu (Ikwo North), and Goodluck Obinna Mbam (Izzi East), encouraged the College management to sustain the impressive pace of development while appealing to Governor Nwifuru to further strengthen support for the institution.
Responding, Prof. Mbam highlighted the institution’s achievements under his administration, revealing that the College now runs 36 academic programmes with an enrolment of 597 students.
He listed major projects executed to include modern hostel accommodation for 300 female and 350 male students, a state-of-the-art ICT Centre, perimeter fencing, and complete electrification of the campus.
Despite the progress, the Provost identified a number of challenges confronting the institution, including the absence of official vehicles for principal officers, low student enrolment, and poor Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Speaking on behalf of the academic staff, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Dr. Emmanuel Uduma, appealed to the state government to gazette College employees to enable them benefit from pension and gratuity upon retirement. He also informed the lawmakers that staff members enjoy a cordial working relationship with the Provost.
