Governor Peter Mbah Advocates Experiential Learning for Nigeria’s Development
The Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Peter Mbah, has emphasized the need for an education system that prioritizes Experiential Learning to equip Nigerian youth with productive skills and competencies essential for national development.
Speaking at the first Distinguished Personalities Lecture Series at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Governor Mbah stated that the current Nigerian education system does not sufficiently prepare young people for real-world challenges. He stressed the importance of a learning model that focuses on skill acquisition, innovation, and problem-solving.
Transitioning from Rote Learning to Experiential Learning
Delivering his lecture titled “Experiential Learning: Building the Wealth of the Nation,” Governor Mbah underscored the importance of moving away from traditional rote learning toward a practical, hands-on approach to education.
“In a globalized world, competition is no longer local, and the meritocracy of ideas dominates. To produce globally competitive youth, who can remain in Enugu and yet, ‘japa’ their skills globally, our education ecosystem must immediately shift from rote learning to Experiential Learning!” Mbah declared.
According to the governor, education should not just be about theoretical knowledge but should be tailored to solving real-world problems. He described Experiential Learning as a dynamic approach that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, making students active problem-solvers rather than passive learners.
Experiential Learning and Sustainable Development Goals
Governor Mbah linked the Experiential Learning model of Enugu Smart Green Schools to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He emphasized that students must be equipped with relevant skills to address key challenges in energy, agriculture, and information and communication technology (ICT).
He urged all Enugu State-owned tertiary institutions to incorporate this model into their curriculum reforms and research programs to prepare students for the demands of the 21st-century economy.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of ESUT Governing Council, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, applauded Governor Mbah for his commitment to education. He noted that Mbah is the first Nigerian governor to exceed the United Nations’ recommended benchmark of 30% of the annual budgetary allocation to the education sector.
He further praised the governor’s investments in the university, aimed at placing ESUT on the global map of research, science, and technological excellence.
In his address, ESUT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, acknowledged the state government’s support in procuring essential equipment, which helped the university successfully pass accreditation and resource verification exercises.
He noted that ESUT has seen an increase in student quotas for Medicine and Surgery, Medical Laboratory Science, and other key disciplines. His vision, he added, is to make ESUT a globally competitive institution in research and innovation.
Ethical Conduct and Digital Skills in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Chairman of the occasion, Monsignor Prof. Obiora Ike, emphasized the need for ethical conduct in education. He warned that knowledge without character could have negative consequences for society.
Monsignor Ike also commended ESUT’s progress in research and scholarship but advised the university to prioritize digital skills training for both students and staff to align with the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Governor Mbah’s advocacy for Experiential Learning is a crucial step in transforming Nigeria’s education system. By shifting from rote memorization to hands-on, skill-based learning, young Nigerians can become more innovative, globally competitive, and better equipped to solve societal challenges.
With continued investments in education, research, and technological advancement, Enugu State is setting an example for other regions in Nigeria to follow. The challenge now is for policymakers, educators, and institutions to embrace this paradigm shift and implement meaningful changes in the educational landscape.
