The Enugu State government has reaffirming its dedication to building over 250 smart schools across all 260 wards within the state. 

This initiative aims to ensure that even the poorest child in rural areas has access to world-class education equipped with 21st-century tools.

Professor Leonard Mbah, the state’s education commissioner, made this assurance during the commissioning ceremony of the remodeled ultra-model Primary School Ihe in Ihe Community, Awgu Local Government Area.

Mbah emphasized that the remodeled primary school aligns with Governor Peter Mbah’s administration’s plan to elevate the state’s education system to international standards. He also reiterated that education is the most potent weapon in the fight against poverty.

“This reminds me of the 1960s when most of our primary schools were built by communities both home and abroad and those schools lasted because communities invested in them. It means that our communities take ownership and that is the only way our institutions can survive and be sustained”.

He urged other communities in Enugu state to emulate what the old school students did to complement the government’s efforts.

“The Development Initiative has taken this as a priority to invest in basic education which is the foundation of the education pyramid and the school is inclusive with people with disability having access to it,” he said.

The President of the Old Students Association, Dr. Madueke Ekoh, explained that the renovation project was prompted by the dilapidated condition of the primary school. The association invested over N200 million to transform the school into an ultra-modern facility.

Ekoh’s representative, Ekenedilichukwu Ekoh, highlighted the association’s desire to give back to the school and society, ensuring that current pupils have access to educational opportunities they lacked during their time.

The project included the renovation of two large blocks, construction of a modern toilet facility with a water closet, drilling of a water borehole, installation of solar power within the school compound, and the establishment of a modern library with a computer room.

The association’s efforts have transformed Primary School, Ihe into a model elementary school for academic excellence in rural communities, inspiring teachers to impart quality comprehensive learning to their students.

Chief Anthony Udeh, the event’s chairman, applauded the old students’ initiative, recognizing it as a significant contribution to the community’s development.

The Head Teacher, Mrs. Dorathy Udeani, expressed her gratitude to the old students for rescuing the school from the brink of abandonment. She suggested renaming the school “University Primary School” to reflect its upgraded status.

The Enugu State government’s commitment to building smart schools and the community’s involvement in education exemplify a collaborative approach to enhancing education quality and accessibility in rural areas.