Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has announced plans to establish two new universities as part of his administration’s efforts to position the state as a hub for knowledge, innovation, and diaspora collaboration.
Mbah made the disclosure on Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during the launch of the Diaspora Bridge Platform—a digital initiative aimed at connecting Nigerian professionals in the diaspora with local tertiary institutions to enhance research, teaching, and capacity building.
He revealed that the proposed institutions, the Enugu State University of Education and Technology (ESUET) and the Enugu State University of Agriculture and Technology (ESUAT), will complement the state’s expanding educational infrastructure, which includes seven public tertiary institutions and 260 Smart Green Schools scheduled to commence operations in September.
“In addition to expanding our existing institutions, we’re establishing ESUET and ESUAT. We are also setting up eight Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges—one in each Federal Constituency—to drive 21st-century skills development,” the governor said.
He emphasized the importance of innovation and digital learning in the state’s education reform efforts, highlighting initiatives such as the Center for Experiential Learning and Innovation (CELI), which focuses on equipping students with foundational, life, digital, and industry-specific skills.
“Our investments target applied learning through AI, simulation, virtual and augmented reality, going beyond the Sustainable Development Goals to position Enugu as a leader in STEMM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine,” Mbah added.
He lauded the Federal Ministry of Education for introducing the Diaspora Bridge Platform, describing it as a timely move to connect Nigeria’s global talent pool with the country’s local development needs.
“For too long, our engagement with the diaspora has centered on remittances. This platform offers a chance to mobilize their expertise and financial resources for more sustainable impact,” Mbah noted.
The governor praised the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for championing the initiative, calling it “an urgent call to reconnect global expertise with local purpose.”
