Speaking at a press briefing on April 16, 2026, to mark his first year in office, Ikegwuoha outlined key achievements and ongoing challenges within the state’s education sector. The event was attended by senior ministry officials, including Permanent Secretary Benedicta Okorie.
A major highlight of the administration’s efforts is the recruitment of 5,770 teachers and 235 non-teaching staff. These were deployed across schools in all 27 local government areas following a needs-based assessment, with priority given to core subjects such as mathematics, sciences, English, agriculture, data processing, and Igbo language.
The commissioner noted that the newly hired teachers underwent a six-week intensive training programme before deployment, particularly to underserved rural schools.
In addition to staffing improvements, the ministry recorded a sharp rise in internally generated revenue (IGR), increasing from ₦9.7 million (March 2024–April 2025) to ₦501 million (April 2025–April 2026). This growth was attributed to reforms aimed at blocking leakages and improving revenue collection systems.
On infrastructure, Ikegwuoha reported ongoing construction and rehabilitation of schools across the state, alongside improved teacher welfare, including salary increases approved by the governor.
However, the commissioner raised serious concerns about misconduct within the system. He cited widespread cases of extortion by some school principals and head teachers, particularly in the collection of unauthorized fees. For instance, despite official fees of ₦31,500 for WAEC and ₦36,000 for NECO, some students were allegedly charged as much as ₦79,000 to ₦100,000.
Additional charges reportedly included PTA dues, graduation fees, and material costs.
He also disclosed instances where funds donated by philanthropists for students’ examination fees were diverted, prompting disciplinary actions such as suspensions.
Ikegwuoha emphasized that reforms are underway to sanitize the system. These include: A ban on student transfers at the Senior Secondary 3 level. Elimination of illegal admission levies for Junior Secondary School 1 and Senior Secondary 1.
Introduction of a four-year textbook usage cycle and full digitization of examination registrations and certificate access (WAEC, NECO, FSLC, BECE).
He added that long-standing backlogs in FSLC and BECE results have now been cleared, with students able to access their certificates digitally.
Addressing criticisms, the commissioner dismissed allegations of bias and victimization as distractions from reform efforts. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and equity, and called on the public to report misconduct within schools.
Overall, the briefing presents a mixed picture: significant structural and administrative gains alongside persistent challenges in enforcement and ethical compliance within the education system.