CELI Enugu - Center for Experiential Learning & Innovation

Center for Experiential Learning and Innovation (CELI)

Where ideas, data, and learning circulate to drive system transformation.

Leading one of Africa's most ambitious education reform efforts in Enugu State, Nigeria — transforming how learning flows through communities.

"When learning circulates, systems thrive."

His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah - Governor of Enugu State

Executive Governor

Office of the Executive Governor

Enugu State, Nigeria

His Excellency

Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah

Governor of Enugu State

"Our mission is to make Enugu State a premier destination for living, business, investment, and tourism — and education is the foundation upon which this transformation is built."

$30B

GDP Vision

0%

Poverty Target

33%

Budget to Education

Smart

Green Schools

Champion of Education Reform "Tomorrow is Here!"

Forthcoming Event Jan - Apr 2026

Enugu Smart Green Schools Experiential Learning Bootcamp

A mobile mentoring team implementing 5-day Campus Bootcamps across 9 Smart Green Schools. Join us as we transform experiential learning across Enugu State!

📍 9 Schools 📅 5-Day Bootcamps 👥 CELI Mentoring Cohort

View Full Schedule

🏫

First Bootcamp

JAN 19

GTC 1

LEADERSHIP

Prof. Mbah • Dr. Huber

Prof. Osuji • Dr. Onyeisi

System Vitality Dashboard

Hover over each quadrant to see our living impact metrics

Experiential Learning

Transformation through lived experiences

260+

Teachers Trained

35K+

Students Engaged

8

SDGs Addressed

"PEARL helped me see my students differently…"

— Primary School Teacher, Nsukka

See PEARL in action

Digital Innovation

Building capacity and equity through technology

500+

Teachers Trained

3.2K

Learners Certified

12

Digital Labs

"I completed my first digital training through CELI."

— Adult Learner, Enugu Urban

Explore the Digital Innovation Hub

Education Research

System learning and transformation leadership

400+

PD Assessments

5

Active Projects

20+

Publications

"Our Vision Grant research revealed the early heartbeat of experiential learning."

— Spencer Foundation Grant

See how CELI turns research into action

Foundational Learning

Literacy & numeracy — the learning ecosystem base

15K+

Students Reached

180

Teachers Trained

6

Partner Orgs

"Now I can read with my child."

— Parent, Udi LGA

Learn how CELI supports early learning

Learning flows from students → teachers → community

Our 5 Major Institutes

Specialized centers driving educational transformation

Experiential Learning Institute

Hands-on learning through PEARL and real-world projects

Digital Literacy Institute

ICT, AI, and digital skills for teachers and learners

Educator Researcher Institute

Building teacher-researchers for evidence-based practice

Mentoring Institute

Peer learning and professional growth networks

Education Leadership Institute

Developing visionary school and system leaders

Beyond Numbers: Resonance Metrics

We measure impact not just by counts, but by transformation rippling through the system

78%

Teachers applying learning within 3 months

vs. workshops held

4

Policy shifts informed by research

vs. papers published

85%

Growth in student confidence & curiosity

vs. students reached

62

Teachers mentoring others or starting projects

vs. trainings conducted

"I want to be/study..."

"I want to be a doctor who builds medical robots."

— JSS2 Student, Nsukka

"I want to study how plants can feed Nigeria."

— SS1 Student, Enugu Urban

"I want to code apps that help farmers."

— Primary 5, Udi

"I want to teach other children like CELI taught me."

— SS3 Student, Nkanu

Join the Circulation

Be part of Enugu's education transformation. Partner, volunteer, or contribute to the flow of learning.

About CELI Enugu

The Center for Experiential Learning and Innovation (CELI) is a pioneering educational institution at the forefront of one of Africa's most ambitious education reform efforts in Enugu State, Nigeria.

Founded and led by Prof. Ndubueze Leonard Mbah, who also serves as Commissioner for Education in Enugu State, CELI works within and alongside the Enugu State Ministry of Education to drive transformative change in the educational landscape.

We believe that education should go beyond traditional classroom instruction. Through our innovative programs, we provide students with hands-on experiences that prepare them for real-world challenges and opportunities.

Our work is grounded in research, driven by innovation, and measured by impact. Supported by prestigious partnerships including a Spencer Foundation Vision Grant, we collaborate with schools, government agencies, and local communities to create sustainable change in education.

Our Mission

To revolutionize education in Enugu State through experiential learning methodologies, digital innovation, and evidence-based research that empowers learners to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Our Vision

A future where every student in Enugu State has access to high-quality, innovative, and practical education that unlocks their full potential and contributes to societal development.

Leadership

Prof. Ndubueze Leonard Mbah

Founding Director-General & Commissioner for Education, Enugu State

Our Leadership

Prof. Ndubueze Leonard Mbah

Founding Director-General & Commissioner for Education, Enugu State

Prof. Ndubueze Leonard Mbah is a distinguished educator and visionary leader who has dedicated his career to transforming education in Nigeria. As the Founding Director-General of CELI and Commissioner for Education in Enugu State, he leads one of Africa's most ambitious education reform initiatives.

Under his leadership, CELI has become a beacon of innovation in experiential learning, digital literacy, and educational research. His work has been recognized internationally, including receiving the prestigious Spencer Foundation Vision Grant to support CELI's groundbreaking programs.

Prof. Mbah's commitment to evidence-based educational reform and his passion for empowering the next generation of Nigerian learners continues to drive CELI's mission of creating sustainable, transformative change across Enugu State.

Our Core Values

I

Innovation

Continuously seeking creative solutions to educational challenges

E

Excellence

Maintaining the highest standards in all our programs and services

I

Integrity

Operating with transparency and accountability in all our endeavors

C

Collaboration

Building strong partnerships to amplify our impact

Our 5 Major Institutes

Specialized centers of excellence driving educational transformation

Experiential Learning Institute

The Experiential Learning Institute leads CELI's flagship PEARL (Practical Experiential and Applied Real-world Learning) program, transforming how students learn through direct experience and reflection.

PEARL Curriculum

Hands-on learning integrated with academic standards and SDG alignment

Field Experiences

Educational visits to industries, farms, and community institutions

Project-Based Learning

Student-led projects addressing real community challenges

"PEARL helped me see my students differently — they're not just learners, they're problem-solvers."

Digital Literacy Institute

Building digital capacity across Enugu State, the Digital Literacy Institute ensures teachers, students, and adults have the skills to thrive in the digital economy.

ICT Teacher Training

Comprehensive digital skills programs for educators

AI for Teachers

Practical AI tools and applications for classroom use

Digital Labs

Establishing and supporting technology hubs in schools

Educator Researcher Institute

Transforming teachers into practitioner-researchers who contribute to educational knowledge while improving their own practice through systematic inquiry.

Action Research Training

Equipping teachers with research skills for classroom improvement

Teacher Research Groups

Collaborative inquiry communities across schools

Publication Support

Helping teachers share findings with the education community

TRCN Partner Spencer Foundation UNICEF UNESCO

Mentoring Institute

Creating sustainable professional growth through peer mentoring networks that ensure knowledge and skills circulate through the education system.

Peer Mentoring Programs

Experienced teachers guiding newer colleagues

School-Based Coaching

On-site professional development and support

Leadership Pipelines

Identifying and developing future education leaders

Education Leadership Institute

Developing visionary school principals, education administrators, and system leaders who can drive and sustain educational transformation.

Principal Leadership Program

Comprehensive training for school heads

System Leadership

Building capacity at LGA and state education levels

Change Management

Leading innovation and managing educational reform

Our Initiatives

Transforming education through four interconnected domains

Experiential Learning

Transformation through lived experiences, not just numbers

Our experiential learning programs bridge theory and practice, giving students opportunities to apply knowledge in real-world contexts while developing critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills.

PEARL Program

Practical Experiential and Applied Real-world Learning curriculum across schools.

Field Experiences

Educational visits to industries, farms, and institutions that bring learning to life.

Project-Based Learning

Student-led projects addressing real community challenges and needs.

Digital Innovation Program

Scale, access, and equity through digital learning

In today's digital age, technology skills are essential. Our comprehensive digital literacy program ensures students and educators have the competencies needed to thrive in the digital economy.

ICT Literacy Training

Foundational training in computer operations, software applications, and internet navigation.

AI for Teachers

Introduction to AI tools and applications for enhancing teaching and learning.

Digital Labs

Device distribution and digital lab support across schools.

Education Research

System learning and transformation leadership

CELI's research arm conducts rigorous studies to inform educational policy and practice, ensuring that interventions are effective and sustainable.

Vision Grant Research

Spencer Foundation-funded research on experiential learning impact.

Teacher Research Groups

Collaborative inquiry networks across Enugu schools.

Policy Partnerships

Working with UB, TRCN, and policy partners to translate research into action.

"How Enugu is building a regenerative system of education." — Research Highlight

Foundational Learning

Strengthening the learning ecosystem at the base

Strong literacy and numeracy skills are the foundation of all learning. Our foundational learning initiatives ensure every child has the basic skills needed for educational success.

Early Literacy Programs

Evidence-based reading interventions for early primary grades.

Numeracy Interventions

Building strong mathematical foundations through hands-on approaches.

Parent Engagement

Empowering parents to support learning at home.

Our Impact

Measuring success through tangible outcomes and transformed lives across Enugu State

2024 Annual Report Highlights

Reached over 12,000 students across 65 schools in Enugu State

Trained 150 educators in experiential learning methodologies

Established 8 new digital literacy centers in underserved communities

Published 5 research papers on educational innovation in Nigeria

92% of participating students showed improved academic performance

Student Success Stories

"The STEM lab at CELI changed my life. I never thought I could build a working robot, but now I'm planning to study engineering at university."

— Chioma A., SS3 Student

"Through CELI's digital literacy program, I learned coding and built my first website. Now I'm teaching other students in my community."

— Emmanuel O., SS2 Student

"CELI's experiential learning approach transformed my teaching. My students are now more engaged and excited about learning."

— Mrs. Ngozi I., Science Teacher

Impact by Numbers (2020-2024)

35,000+

Students Reached

400+

Teachers Trained

85%

Improvement Rate

20+

Research Publications

News & Events

Latest News

🏫

ESGS Bootcamp

Jan - Apr 2026

NEW January 2026

Enugu Smart Green Schools Experiential Learning Bootcamp Launches

A mobile mentoring team will implement 5-day Campus Bootcamps across 9 Smart Green Schools. Led by Prof. Mbah, Dr. Huber, Prof. Osuji, and Dr. Onyeisi.

9 Schools 5-Day Format

View Full Schedule →

🎓

Mentoring Institute

Dec 11-16, 2025

NEW November 25, 2025

CELI Mentoring Institute Announced for December 2025

A 6-day intensive program to prepare educators as mentors for scaling experiential learning across 260 Smart Green Schools.

Read Full Invitation →

📋

Bootcamp Design

January 2026

ESGS Bootcamp Principles Released

Non-negotiable principles include: students work on real problems, iteration and failure valued, cross-disciplinary learning, mentors coach not direct.

Learn More →

Upcoming Events

DEC

11-16

2025

FEATURED EVENT 6-Day Institute

CELI Mentoring Institute 2025

Preparing educators to guide the expansion of experiential learning from pilot school to 260 Smart Green Schools in Enugu State.

Peter Mbah Auditorium, Godfrey Okoye University

Foundations of EL PEARL Project Design Assessment & Documentation Technology Tools

JAN - APR

2026

9 Schools

NEW PROGRAM 5-Day Campus Bootcamps

Enugu Smart Green Schools Experiential Learning Bootcamp

A mobile mentoring team of Experiential Learning Directors from CELI will move from school to school, implementing a consistent 5-day Campus Bootcamp model while improving each iteration based on ongoing assessment.

Leadership & Governance

• Professor Mbah & Dr. Huber - Senior Stewardship

• Professor Osuji - Fidelity Lead & Mentor Coach

• Dr. Onyeisi - Bootcamp Logistics Coordinator

• Dr. Muoh - Documentation & Research Lead

Students Work on Real Problems Iteration & Failure Valued Cross-Disciplinary Learning Mentors Coach, Not Direct Day 6 Learning Feeds Forward

ESGS Bootcamp Schedule 2026

S/N	School	Week	Dates
1	GTC 1	3rd Week January	MON 19 – FRI 23 JAN
2	QUEENS	4th Week January	MON 26 – FRI 30 JAN
🎓 BREAK - EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING INSTITUTE
3	UMUOME INYI	3rd Week February	MON 16 – FRI 20 FEB
4	OBE CAMPUS	4th Week February	MON 23 – FRI 27 FEB
5	AMECHI IDODO	1st Week March	MON 2 – FRI 6 MAR
6	UHUEZE NNEWE	2nd Week March	MON 9 – FRI 13 MAR
7	NDEABOUR	3rd Week March	MON 16 – FRI 20 MAR
8	AMAKPAKA UGWOGO NIKE	4th Week March	MON 23 – FRI 27 MAR
9	UGWOMU CAMPUS	1st Week April	MON 30 MAR – FRI 3 APR

Days 1-5

Experiential Learning Training and Practice (5 hours of engagement per day)

Day 6

Team Debrief, Documentation, Assessment, and Continuous Improvement Planning

After 2 Cycles

CELI hosts an Institute to catalyze system-wide engagement and strengthen mentoring

Field Learning and Fidelity Logic

Why assessment is delayed:

To allow experiential learning to germinate and align development of interpretive infrastructure.

Why iteration is expected:

To refine the roll-out plan, tools, and kits based on evidence from each bootcamp cycle.

Why ambiguity is part of the work:

To empower teams to innovate, learn, iterate, and optimize with clear principles and guardrails.

Annual Education Innovation Summit 2025

Join educators, policymakers, and innovators for a day of learning and collaboration.

22

APR

Student Science Fair & Exhibition

Students showcase their innovative projects and research findings.

05

MAY

Coding Bootcamp for Beginners

Free two-week intensive coding program for secondary school students.

Our Partners

Building strong partnerships to amplify our impact and create sustainable change in education

Research & Assessment Partners

TRCN

Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria

Spencer

Spencer Foundation

UNICEF Nigeria

UNESCO

Government Partners

Enugu State Ministry of Education

Federal Ministry of Education

Universal Basic Education Commission

Enugu State Government

Academic & Development Partners

UB

University of Buffalo

UNN

University of Nigeria

ESUT

Enugu State University

COE

Colleges of Education

Become a Partner

Join us in transforming education in Enugu State. Together, we can create lasting impact and empower the next generation.