When Hon Ikeje Asogwa was appointed as the chairman of Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board by Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, most people in the educational sector celebrated his appointment. Chief Asogwa is reputed to be of sound mind and a tested astute administrator. Since his appointment as ENSUBEB Executive Chairman, there has never been a dull moment in the Board. He hit the ground running as one who clearly understands his mission to change the narrative in the education sector for the better. Six years down the road on the driving seat of ENSUBEB, it has been harvest of positive dividends everywhere.
Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s accomplishments through ENSUBEB are legion. From the construction of new school blocks/renovation of existing ones, to building of libraries to procurement of instructional materials and teaching aids to furniture and equipments, to engagement of quality teachers etc. Just name them. At the last count, over 1000 school blocks have sprouted under his watch across the 17 local government areas of the state.
There are new school buildings in Independence Layout primary school, New Haven primary school, Udi road primary school, Richard street primary school, community primary school Obe, Umueze, Ozalla, Agbani, Ekeotu Amechi, Idaw River, Obeagu, Ugwuaji, Ugwogo, Ikem, Ehamufu, all in Enugu East Senatorial zone.
In Enugu West senatorial zone, he built schools at Awgu, Mpu, Ezere, Ihe, Oduma, Okpanku, Nenwe, Ogbaku, Udi, Oji, Akpugo Eze, Achi, Awlaw, Ugwuoba, Nachi, Abor, Okpatu, Mgwo, Afah, Akpakwume, etc.
In Enugu North, schools were built at Ehalumona, Obollo, Amufie, Igbelle, Uroshi, Ikpuiga, Amachalla, Igogoro, Aji, Ogrute, Opi, Orba, Obollo Eke, Iheaka, Igugu, Akiyi Umulokpa, Ezimo, Abi, Ugbele Ajima, Ogbede, Aku, Ohemje, Ohodo, Ohebedim, Ibagwa, Ovoko, Obukpa, etc.
Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi vowed that no child will take lesson under the tree on account of no class room block to harbor the pupils and students. This have made him to embark on such building spree. He has completed and commissioned all these projects and they are functional now. It must be understood that Enugu State is not an oil producing state from where enormous resources could be garnered and no corporate organization either took up any of these buildings as their corporate social responsibilities (CSR).
He did not only build structures, he equipped them with modern furniture and teaching aids. The schools were well ventilated and this provides good atmosphere for learning. ENSUBEB has built and distributed tens of thousands of reading desks to the schools. Each of the schools built have a well equipped library. Chairs and tables were provided for all the schools in the state both old and new. This shows that Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi really cares. He has employed over 4000 qualified teachers to teach in primary schools. Teachers are trained and retrained regularly. Under his watch, one week workshop is always organized for teachers on every holidays. Workshop allowances are paid immediately after the training. This has encouraged the teachers much to put in their best. Beside the training allowances, all allowances due to teachers are paid timely and regularly.
Gov. Ugwuanyi has provided teaching aids and instructional materials for all schools under his care. There is no public school in Enugu that has not received interventions in textbooks, boards, registers, counters, markers, chalks, other stationeries. Every primary school in Enugu State have got one thing or the other from Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Private schools owners in Enugu State especially those in Enugu Metropolis are getting jittery over Hon Ikeje’s accomplishments with ENSUBEB because they have started loosing pupils to public schools. The performance of pupils in public schools have so much improved that parents are now withdrawing their wards to public schools. Every year, at least one pupil from Enugu State public school will come first in one competition or the other nation wide. Enugu State have over five national sample schools today. This is a very great feat.
Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is a father to all. He is down to earth humble, a good listener, and a good manager. He carries everybody along and gives Ceaser what is Ceaser’s and gives God what is God’s. either our children or relations are benefitting from his astute administration.
Thank God who gave us Gov ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who brought Ikeje Asogwa on board.
Bibian Anekwe News..added..Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called Gov Ugwuanyi is a passionate leader
Written by
Leonard Ugwu
A Political Analyst
Media Team Member: Enugu di n’akachukwu Movement.