Despite Nigeria’s vast potential and vibrant youth population, the Education sector struggles to equip graduates with the skills needed for Innovation and practical problem-solving. Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has attributed this deficiency to inadequate exposure to essential productive skills and competencies. Speaking at the first Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Distinguished Personalities Lecture Series, he emphasised the urgent need for experiential learning to bridge the gap between education and industrial advancement. The governor’s lecture, titled “Experiential Learning: Building the Wealth of the Nation,” stressed the relationship between academic, economic development, and global competitiveness.
He criticised the country’s current education model for relying heavily on rote memorisation, which he argued restrains creativity and problem-solving skills. He linked the absence of experiential learning to the country’s universities’ inability to feature prominently in global rankings or produce inventive graduates capable of driving industrialisation and economic development. He emphasised that nations such as the United States (US), China, Germany, and the Netherlands have focused on developing qualitative and experiential academic systems, enabling them to lead the world’s economies.
Enugu unveils initiative to transform and modernise its school system.
To address these difficulties, Governor Mbah announced his government’s initiative to revolutionise schools in Enugu State. A key aspect of this strategy involves the creation of 260 Smart Green Schools throughout every ward in the state. These institutions are intended to incorporate hands-on learning into their programs, allowing students to transition smoothly from basic learning to real-world innovation. The state government aims to integrate these systems throughout every stage of learning to nurture students’ creativity, teamwork, and analytical skills. The governor has required all public higher academic institutions in the state to incorporate hands-on learning into their programs.
This mandate encompasses changes in course structure, research focuses, funding distributions, and evaluation methods. The aim is to connect academics with practical challenges and opportunities, enabling students to assume roles as proactive problem-solvers instead of just absorbing information. The governor emphasised his government’s dedication to academic advancement by designating 33 percent of the state budget for this purpose. This notable funding demonstrates the necessity of establishing a learning structure that encourages creativity and equips students to tackle the challenges of a rapidly changing environment.
Various academic stakeholders commended the governor’s efforts.
The governor also reiterated the impact of experiential learning, which provides students with hands-on skills and links academics to industrialisation and the growth of gross domestic product (GDP). Notable figures in the academic community commended the lecture, including ESUT’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Alloysius-Michael Okolie, and Pro-Chancellor, Sir Chinyeaka Oha. They praised the governor’s innovative leadership and substantial investments in education and described his approach as a blueprint for addressing systemic challenges in the sector. Looking ahead, his claim about the deficiency of creativity and originality among graduates is a significant issue that demands a comprehensive strategy.
As a result, revamping the Curriculum is essential to prioritise analytical reasoning, creative problem-solving, and innovation. Incorporating hands-on projects, internships, and real-world challenges through experiential education can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Encouraging STEM education is important for driving progress in technology and innovation. Also, providing teachers with training in modern teaching approaches and tools ensures successful knowledge dissemination. Partnerships between academic institutions and commercial enterprises can stimulate creativity and open fresh avenues for students and working professionals.
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Moreover, providing internships and apprenticeships grants learners practical experience and supports technology exchange between universities and businesses, thus enriching their academic journey. It is vital to increase governmental Investment in research and institutional facilities. Policies that support innovation, Tax breaks for companies focused on research, and guidance programs for emerging talent can propel advancement. On an international level, global collaborations and student exchange initiatives introduce learners to various academic systems and methodologies. Focusing on these aspects will allow the country to nurture a cohort of creative graduates who will play a significant role in national economic and social progress.