The Ebonyi State Executive Council (EXCO), chaired by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has approved a series of strategic initiatives aimed at advancing education, technology, investment, and economic development across the state.
The decisions were reached during the Council’s regular meeting held on Friday, July 24, 2026, according to a press briefing issued by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh.
The meeting commenced with the swearing-in of Mrs. Rita Polycarp Nwite as the Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilization.
Governor Nwifuru commended members of the Executive Council for their improved performance following the recent cabinet reshuffle, urging them to sustain the momentum in delivering quality governance and to continue implementing the administration’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda for the benefit of Ebonyi people.
Speaking on investment and innovation, the Governor disclosed that the proposed HUAWEI factory to be established at the ICT University, Oferekpe, is expected to become a major technology and innovation hub serving not only Ebonyi State but the entire African continent upon completion.
Smart Education Project Approved
In a landmark move to digitize secondary education, the Executive Council approved the Smart Education Project for 43 secondary schools across the state.
The initiative is designed to modernize teaching and learning through the deployment of cutting-edge digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced educational infrastructure.
As part of the project, the state will deploy 989 HUAWEI IdeaHub K3 65-inch Smart Interactive Boards across the participating schools. Each school will receive smart boards for 22 classrooms, one laboratory, and a dedicated AI education classroom. The interactive boards feature ultra-high-definition displays, smart electronic whiteboards, multi-touch capability, wireless screen projection, remote interaction, classroom recording, and broadcasting functions, supported by permanent software licenses.
Council also approved the establishment of virtual laboratories for Physics and Chemistry in each school. The laboratories will feature more than 500 pre-installed experiments, over 400 experiment design tools, and five-year software licenses to enhance practical science education.
To prepare students for the digital future, the project includes a five-year subscription to a Basic AI Education platform designed to introduce learners to artificial intelligence from the K-12 level. The curriculum will cover AI awareness, computational thinking, technical implementation, and responsible AI usage.
Additionally, each school will receive three Learning Management System (LMS) licenses covering all classrooms and laboratories. The LMS will support digital classroom management through online teaching, assignment distribution, examinations, grading, virtual classes, collaborative learning, and hybrid instruction. Teachers and students will also benefit from dedicated software licenses under a five-year subscription plan.
The Council further approved the procurement of 5,000 number pads to enable teachers to remotely control the interactive boards from anywhere within the classroom, enhancing classroom collaboration and interactive learning.
The state government said the project positions Ebonyi among the leading states in Nigeria leveraging technology to transform secondary education.
BERAP Progress Report Approved
In the area of economic development, the Executive Council approved the submission of the Ebonyi State Business Enabling Reforms Action Plan (BERAP) 2025 Progress Report.
The report captures the state’s achievements across the eight Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) under the World Bank-supported State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme.
According to the Council, publication of the report on the state’s official website on or before July 31, 2026, is a key requirement for Ebonyi State to qualify for participation in the 2026 SABER Programme.
The report highlights the government’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business, strengthening investment opportunities, and promoting private sector growth.
New Cement Factory Named
The Executive Council also approved the official name of the state’s proposed cement manufacturing company.
Following deliberations, Council resolved that the facility will be known as Abakaliki Cement Factory.
The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, working alongside the Commissioner for Investment, has been directed to immediately commence the process of registering the new name.
The outcome of the meeting underscores the Nwifuru administration’s commitment to strengthening human capital development through technology-driven education while accelerating economic growth through investment, industrialization, and business-friendly reforms.
