The announcement came during a briefing in Abakaliki on Saturday, following a State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Francis Nwifuru on Thursday.

State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Ikeuwa Omebeh, revealed that the bill has been forwarded to the State House of Assembly for legislative approval. 

Once enacted, the fund aims to create a sustainable financing mechanism to tackle longstanding challenges in basic education, which Omebeh described as “foundational to the overall development of the state’s human capital.”

The initiative responds to a directive from the Federal Ministry of Education, urging states to enhance financial support for foundational learning. 

The Trust Fund will mobilize resources from diverse sources, including government taxes, development partners, corporate entities, and contributions from well-meaning indigenes. 

These funds will prioritize investments in critical areas such as classroom rehabilitation, infrastructure like fences, toilets, and boreholes; Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities; Information and Communication Technology (ICT) integration; teacher training; scholarships; school feeding programs; and student transport systems.

Omebeh emphasized the fund’s role in fostering transparency and accountability, stating it would be overseen by a legally constituted Board in partnership with the State Ministry of Education and other stakeholders. 

“This will align resources for greater impact through transparent governance, joint planning, and strong oversight,” he said. 

The commissioner highlighted ambitious goals, including rehabilitating thousands of classrooms and implementing security measures to ensure a safe, conducive learning environment for every child in Ebonyi.

Governor Nwifuru’s administration views the fund as a credible solution to persistent educational hurdles, promising a brighter future for the state’s youth. 

As the bill progresses through the assembly, education advocates in Ebonyi express optimism that it will mark a turning point in the region’s quest for quality, accessible education.