Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has announced plans to upgrade Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, to a University of Agriculture within the next two years. 

The announcement was made by the state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, during an Education Summit organised by the Polytechnic over the weekend.

Governor Mbah emphasised the government’s commitment to education, noting that 33 percent of the state budget has been allocated to this sector, surpassing the 15 to 20 percent recommended by international agencies such as UNICEF and the World Bank. 

“This bold and historic step reflects our collective aspirations to achieve a food-secure state. Elevating ESPOLY to the Enugu State University of Agriculture will help us break the cycle of underdevelopment and poverty,” he stated.

Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Nnamdi Nwankwo, Rector of Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, commended Governor Mbah for initiating the Green Smart School Concept. He encouraged other school administrators to adopt this innovative approach to advance education in the state. 

“Our goal is to develop a tertiary institution capable of accommodating the Smart School students who will soon enter the system,” he said.

Fr. Nwankwo also outlined several challenges facing the polytechnic, including the need for fencing of the permanent site, construction of 200-room hostels, a 1,000-seat auditorium, an ICT block, and an entrepreneurship centre. He called on stakeholders to partner with the institution to address these needs and enhance its development.

Additionally, Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West Senatorial District, expressed his gratitude to the polytechnic’s management for their efforts in repositioning the school. Represented by Prof. Ikechukwu Orji, Ngwu pledged his support to the institution, promising to do everything within his power to assist the polytechnic.