Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, represented by his Deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, has reaffirmed the state government’s strong commitment to education, disclosing that about 30 per cent of the state’s budget is currently invested in the sector.

According to him, this is aimed at positioning the state as a leader in the emerging knowledge-based global economy.

Barr. Ossai made this known at the 43rd–50th Combined Convocation Ceremony of the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu. He commended the Rector and management for what he described as “conscious and consistent efforts” toward improving the quality of teaching and learning. The Deputy Governor noted that the administration was impressed with the significant strides recorded by the institution in recent years.

“On behalf of a grateful state, I thank the leadership of IMT for your commitment to excellence. From the Rector’s address, it is clear that the institution has made remarkable progress,” he said.

While congratulating the graduands for being found worthy in learning, Ossai challenged them to also uphold strong character.      

He emphasized that convocation ceremonies are not merely academic milestones but platforms where institutions showcase the total formation of their students. He urged the institution to intensify efforts in strengthening discipline and values, stressing that excellence must combine both competence and character.

Reflecting on IMT’s heritage, Ossai noted that the institution, established in 1965, remains one of the oldest tertiary institutions in the Eastern region and has produced graduates who have excelled in professional and business spheres.
He encouraged the graduands to remain confident in the quality of their Higher National Diplomas, stating that IMT alumni should be able to compete globally without any sense of inferiority.

Drawing parallels with global innovators, he cited figures such as Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Steve Jobs, who achieved global impact through innovation and enterprise.

“For you to stay and complete your programme at IMT, you have achieved monumental progress.

Your training here is sufficient to enable you revolutionise the world,” he said, while encouraging those who wish to pursue academic upgrade programmes to do so.

Reiterating the administration’s vision, Ossai said Enugu State is strategically positioned to lead Nigeria’s transition to a knowledge-driven economy. He highlighted the government’s sustained investments in tertiary institutions and its Smart Green Schools initiative as part of a broader human capital development strategy.

“We believe that an educated Enugu population will build the Enugu State of our dreams — one that creates its own economy and moves from dependence to surplus contribution to the nation,” he added.

The Deputy Governor also urged the institution to maintain a stable academic calendar and avoid any backlog of graduating students, noting that regular convocations strengthen institutional credibility.

He further called on the graduands to remain connected to their alma mater, emphasizing that institutions across the world thrive on the support and patronage of their alumni.

The ceremony, which attracted government officials, members of academia, parents, and well-wishers, marked a significant milestone for the graduating students and reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to prioritise education as a catalyst for sustainable development.