Nwifuru pushes for skills-based reform, flags off distribution of learning materials in Ebonyi Schools
By Amarachi Ehia Abakaliki
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi state Wednesday launched the distribution of teaching and learning materials to public basic schools in Ebonyi State, using the occasion to advocate a major shift toward vocational and competence-based education in Nigeria.
The intervention, facilitated by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in partnership with the Ebonyi State Universal Basic Education Board (EBUBEB), is designed to boost foundational literacy, enhance digital access and improve overall learning conditions in public schools.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the EBUBEB headquarters in Abakaliki, the governor called for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s basic education curriculum, particularly from the upper basic level (Year Seven), to incorporate vocational training, technical skills and innovation-driven learning.
According to him, the prevailing structure of Nigeria’s education system places disproportionate emphasis on theoretical instruction, leaving many graduates without the practical skills required in today’s labour market.
“The fault is not with the graduates. They studied what was offered to them. The challenge lies in the structure of the system,” Nwifuru said, stressing the need to reposition education toward productivity, self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to strengthen public education, noting that steps had been taken to regulate substandard private schools in order to protect standards and restore confidence in public institutions.
“In our manifesto, we pledged to make the worst public school better than the best private school. That commitment remains unwavering,” he stated.
Addressing concerns over the implementation of the approved ₦90,000 minimum wage for teachers, the governor explained that current local government allocations were being channelled toward settling outstanding gratuities and pension arrears. He assured that the new wage structure would be fully implemented once the backlog is cleared to ensure sustainability and timely retirement benefits.
“We are building a system where teachers receive their gratuities and pensions without delay upon retirement,” he added.
Representing UBEC’s Executive Secretary, the Commission’s Southeast Zonal Director, Mr Isaac Ochinwo, said the distribution aligns with UBEC’s mandate to expand access to quality basic education, strengthen quality assurance and enhance monitoring mechanisms nationwide.
Also speaking, EBUBEB Chairman, Chief Mrs Patience Ogodo, disclosed that 240 schools across Ebonyi’s three senatorial zones have been selected as beneficiaries in the first phase of the distribution.
She listed the items to include 1,410 seats; 46,545 English textbooks; 38,817 Mathematics textbooks; 3,675 exercise books; 3,675 school bags; 3,675 school sandals; 3,675 pencils; 1,500 plastic chairs; 492 rubber mats; and 2,499 desktop computers, among others.
Ogodo urged school administrators and teachers to safeguard the materials and ensure they are properly utilised, warning that misuse or neglect would defeat the purpose of the intervention.
