Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has announced his administration’s plans to establish State University of Artificial Intelligence and Technology, State University of Education and Technology, and State University of Agriculture, Agro-Industrialization and Technology to match the Smart Green School initiative.

Mbah disclosed this while delivering the convocation lecture on the topic; “Restoring the Dignity of Man: Enugu’s Quantum Leap in Human Development and Inclusive Prosperity through Experiential Learning” as part of the events marking the 55th convocation ceremony of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, held at the school auditorium.

The Lecturer said the state has accredited new degree programmes in Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Mechatronics in ESUT and IMT, saying his administration was committed to ensuring that every child can access a school that prepares him or her for the future, hence the 268 Smart Green Schools built across the 260 political wards.

Mbah said the Smart Green Schools are equipped with Interactive Smart Boards, 26,000 Desktop Computers, Laboratories, Digital Libraries, Innovation Studios, Clinics, Smart Farms, Water, Teachers accommodation, Solar Energy, and Internet Connectivity, noting that uniforms and learning materials are free of charge.

The governor said the Smart Green School pathway continues through Smart Senior Secondary Schools, Modern Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVET, Colleges, and transformed tertiary institutions.

He said at the heart of his education transformation is the Center for Experiential Learning and Innovation which is responsible for Integrating Curriculum, Teachers’ Development, Research, Digital Literacy, Skill Intelligence, Industry Partnership, and Evidence.

The governor further said the state is transforming it’s tertiary institutions including the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Health Colleges, Enugu State Polytechnic Iwollo, and the State College of Education Technical into institutions that connect to research, technology, enterprise, production and public value.

Earlier speaking, the UNN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya and the chairman of the occasion, Prof. Chinedu Nebo who commended the governor for the lofty initiative in education, said Experiential Learning is becoming one of the defining imperatives of 21st-century education; hence Nigerian University graduates must be able to create, innovate, solve problems and lead societal transactions.

The Convocation lecture which had notable political office holders as well as the Pro-chancellor of UNN, Pro. Adebayo Adegboyega in attendance, was part of the event marking the 55th convocation ceremony of the University.