Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has assured the Federal Polytechnic Ohodo of government support to address critical infrastructure deficits hampering the institution’s growth.
Receiving the Governing Council and management of the polytechnic at the Lion Building, Enugu, Governor Mbah pledged to construct the 7-kilometre access road leading to the permanent site from the Otukpo-Obollo-Afor-9th Mile-Enugu federal road.
The governor described education investment as fundamental to development, noting that his administration prioritises the sector with over 30 percent of the state’s annual budget.
“This is the reason my administration prioritises education and earmarks over 30 percent of the state’s annual budget for education,” Mbah stated.
He commended the Governing Council and management for their commitment to technology and skill acquisition, which aligns with his administration’s Smart Green School Initiative.
Governor Mbah revealed that over 26,000 graduands would be produced annually from the Smart Green School programme, pursuing technological and skills training at tertiary institutions, with Federal Polytechnic Ohodo positioned as an ideal destination.
He directed the Commissioner for Education to liaise with the polytechnic’s leadership to articulate specific areas requiring government intervention.
Responding to concerns about compensation for host communities whose land was acquired for the institution, Mbah assured proper documentation through the land acquisition committee.
Polytechnic Rector, Dr. Emmanuel Agada, disclosed that infrastructure challenges, including poor road access, lack of hostel accommodation, and inadequate classrooms, have kept student population below 200.
