NEWS LEVERAGE

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has been officially inaugurated as the Grand Patron of the University of East London (UEL) Alumni Network Nigeria. The ceremony, held in Enugu, marked the formal launch of the alumni network’s Nigerian chapter and brought together distinguished graduates of the university from across the country.

In his address at the event, Governor Mbah expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and reiterated his long-standing dedication to education. He shared a personal story of his journey from a humble rural background to leadership, highlighting how education transformed his life.

“My special interest in education is driven by a deep purpose, not politics or any quest for acclaim,” Mbah stated. “It is fuelled by the story of a young boy who once ran barefoot to school, desperate to learn. That young lad today is a testament to the power of education.”

Mbah noted that Enugu State has consistently allocated about one-third of its annual budget to the education sector, demonstrating the administration’s unwavering commitment to educational development. Among the state’s flagship initiatives is the Smart Green Schools programme, which aims to prepare students for a technology-driven future while promoting environmental sustainability.

The governor also acknowledged the contributions of the UEL to his personal growth and praised the Alumni Network for aligning with his vision. “The UEL helped reinforce my commitment to service,” he said, “and it is heartwarming to see the Alumni Network pledge their collaboration towards actualising our vision, especially in advancing our technologically driven Smart Green Schools.”

He further highlighted the state’s progress in digital governance and innovation, citing advancements such as the E-Government system, the Enugu Geographic Information Service (ENGIS), smart transportation initiatives, and a digital tax collection system.

Governor Mbah concluded by echoing the Alumni Network’s call for alumni associations across Nigeria to support educational endowments and grants. “We cannot foretell the future, but through education, we can shape it into what we dream it should be,” he said.

The UEL Alumni Network Nigeria has pledged to support ongoing reforms in Enugu’s education sector and collaborate on initiatives that will strengthen learning outcomes and infrastructure across the state.