Speaking after a meeting with officials of the University of East London (UEL) International Office, led by Stefanie Walton, Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, underscored the urgent need to address barriers limiting young people’s access to quality global education.
Governor Mbah described education as a strategic tool for development, noting that expanding international opportunities for Enugu students is no longer optional but necessary. “One of the critical issues we must confront is access—access to quality education, access to global exposure, and access to opportunities that prepare our young people for the realities of today’s world,” he said.
He explained that discussions with UEL focused on scholarship opportunities and academic exchange programmes designed to close existing gaps. “We are deliberately exploring partnerships that will open clear, affordable pathways for our students to benefit from world-class education. This is about building capacity, skills, and confidence in our young people so they can compete anywhere in the world,” Mbah stated.
The governor stressed that Enugu’s development agenda is closely tied to human capital investment. “In a rapidly evolving global knowledge economy, the most valuable asset we can build is human capital. When our students are exposed to global best practices, research, and innovation, the entire state benefits,” he said.
Mbah further noted that international collaboration goes beyond individual scholarships. “We are intentional about partnerships that strengthen academic exchange, improve institutional capacity, and create long-term value for Enugu State. This is how we future-proof our workforce and position our state for sustainable growth,” he added.
Reaffirming his administration’s vision, the governor concluded, “Our goal is simple: to unlock opportunity, broaden exposure, and ensure that Enugu’s young people are prepared not just for today, but for tomorrow. Tomorrow is here.”
