The Abia State Government has commenced a comprehensive Digital Training Program for Teachers across the 17 Local Government Areas as part of Governor Alex Otti’s transformative push toward a fully digitized Basic Education System.
The training, which commenced on Friday, May 9, in Umuahia, is anchored by Blue Giraffe Development Ltd. in partnership with the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), will run through May 15.
At the forefront of the program are interactive smart boards, digital tablets, and a Learning Management System (LMS), set to replace traditional chalkboards and paper-based teaching methods.
The initiative is designed to equip teachers with the skills needed to effectively integrate these digital tools into the classroom, align public school education with global best practices and the technological demands of the 21st century.
Speaking during the opening of the training, the Executive Chairman of ASUBEB Mrs. Lydia Onuoha, described the program as “the beginning of the process of changing the narrative for the children of Abia”.
“This is one of its kind and the best thing that will happen to the children of Abia. We are moving from chalkboards to smart boards.
“This is the first phase of training teachers who will operate our smart classrooms. With this, we are beginning the shift from chalkboard to smart board. Our children will no longer be left behind in the digital revolution”, she said.
Mrs. Onuoha added that the training includes top teachers selected from across the state, who will become master trainers tasked with replicating the training across more schools.
“We have assembled the best teachers across the 17 LGAs to be trained, and we are confident that this will scale up learning process”, she said
She projected that many classrooms in the state will be Smart-board compliant by the end of the year.
Also, the Director for Teacher Development at the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Mrs. Nnenna Okengwa Ugochukwu, noted that the initiative is a clear demonstration of Governor Otti’s commitment to global competitiveness in education.
“His Excellency wants a situation where our children can compete globally. Our learners and teachers will now use digital tools, no more chalkboards. This will drive better learning outcomes”, she said.
Mrs. Ugochukwu emphasized that teachers participating in the training are privileged and must take the opportunity seriously, noting that the initiative had long been stalled under previous administrations due to lack of vision.
She commended Governor Otti’s transformation of the Education sector in the state, noting that the Governor is stopping at noting to ensure that “Abia Children gain all it takes to be our future leaders of tomorrow”.
Speaking to National Ambassador reporter, the lead facilitator, Mrs. Onyema Ebere Kalu
explained that the current phase focuses on training teachers in smart board usage and innovative teaching techniques.
She said that the one-week program will be followed by additional training on Learning and School Management Systems.
In her contribution, the Managing Director of Blue Giraffe Development Ltd, Mrs. Orieji Okwara-Emele, whose firm is anchoring the training, lauded Governor Otti’s vision, recounting his early interest in Smart School models during a visit to Ofali Agwu Secondary School Ohafia.
“His Excellency saw what we did with smart schools and said he wanted to replicate it across Abia. This is about empowering our teachers with tools to make learning easier, faster, and more interactive”, she stated.
Mrs Okwara-Emele highlighted the importance of digital readiness in light of recent national assessments like JAMB and WAEC moving fully digital.
She added that the Smart School Model will help eliminate educational malpractice and ensure accountability through real-time monitoring of both teachers and students.
“Every teacher will have a tablet. Every child will have a tablet. The Governor can monitor teaching activities in real time from his office”. she revealed.
She further disclosed that 29 teachers previously trained at Ofali Agwu secondary school were granted automatic employment by the Governor after demonstrating mastery of smart teaching methods, and added that the incentives could motivate current trainees to take the program seriously.
