The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has commissioned the Ogbor Central Smart School in Ubakala, Umuahia South LGA, one of the flagship facilities of the Governor Alex Otti-led administration’s statewide Smart School initiative, describing it as a transformative investment in human capital that will position Abia as a leader in technology-driven education and future economic growth.
The Smart School Project executed by the administration of Governor Otti, across the state’s 17 local government areas features digitally enabled classrooms equipped with interactive learning technologies, artificial intelligence-supported instructional tools, tablets for pupils, specially trained teachers, modern security systems, sick bays and eco-friendly learning environments designed to prepare children for the demands of the digital age.
Speaking while commissioning the project on Tuesday, Dr Alausa, commended governor’s decision to establish Smart Schools across Abia State, describing it as evidence of a government committed to preparing children for leadership in Nigeria and globally.
The Minister who pointing out that the Otti led administration is pursuing a forward-looking vision centred on human capital development, described the governor as a leader investing in the future by prioritising quality education alongside infrastructure development.
“Governor Alex Chioma Otti, is a governor that is leading Abia State today for the future, using the future at the present time.
“A governor that knows the importance of building an economy not based on minerals, not based on fuel, but based on the innate gift of every child in Abia State, building human capital.
“Not just building human capital for the present, but for the future and giving every child in Abia State today the opportunity to compete locally, nationally, and globally.
“Great development is about building minds, building brains, and building human capital, and that’s what we’re witnessing in Abia State today.
“When you have a governor that is committed, that thought to build a smart school, not just one, not two, but in every single nook and cranny of Abia State, that’s a governor that cares for the people. That’s a governor that wants your kids to lead Nigeria and lead the world”, he said.
Dr Alausa highlighted the benefits of the Smart Schools to include access to world-class digital learning resources comparable to those available internationally, early exposure to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technology among others.
He predicted that the impact of the initiative would become evident within five to ten years and expressed confidence that Abia would emerge as a leader in education adding that Abia children would compete successfully on the global stage.
In the speech titled; “Tomorrow is the Reward“, Governor Otti, said the Smart School initiative formed part of his administration’s strategy to transform human capital into the engine of economic growth.
The Governor who noted that the global economy had shifted from dependence on natural resources to knowledge, innovation and technology, stressed that governments must invest in education to remain competitive.
Governor Otti disclosed that the Ogbor Central Smart School was the first of three flagship schools to be commissioned across the state’s senatorial districts, adding that an additional 17 Smart Schools; one in each local government area, would also be inaugurated.
While revealing that each Smart School would accommodate about 300 pupils, with every Pupil to receive a tablet to support classroom instruction, the governor said that facilities have been equipped with interactive digital learning tools, predictive security systems, sick bays and specially trained teachers to provide pupils with a conducive learning environment.
He said the goal was to produce innovators, entrepreneurs and future leaders rather than graduates seeking jobs, stressing that every child in Abia should have equal opportunities to compete globally.
Governor Otti noted that his administration consistently allocates 20 per cent of the state’s annual budget to education, alongside recruiting and retraining thousands of teachers, constructing new school infrastructure and implementing free and compulsory basic education.
The governor who declared a zero-tolerance policy against extortion in schools, warned against vandalism of public school facilities and urged parents and community leaders to support the initiative by promoting discipline and good values among children.
“No form of extortion, whether of pupils or their parents, shall be allowed in any of our schools, especially the smart schools. Anyone who runs foul of our zero-extortion and zero-corruption policy will face tough disciplinary actions”, he said.
Governor Otti expressed optimism that the minister’s visit would deepen collaboration between the Federal Government and Abia State in teacher capacity development, infrastructure expansion and other educational reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes.
Earlier in his address, the e Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Goodluck Ubochi, described the commissioning of the smart school as the fulfilment of the Otti administration’s vision to place education at the centre of sustainable development.
He said the initiative was designed to guarantee every child, irrespective of background or location, access to world-class education, adding that the schools would prepare pupils for a future driven by knowledge, innovation and technology.
Also, the Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Mrs Lydia Onuoha, explained that the Smart School Initiative evolved from a pilot smart school developed pro bono by Blue Giraffe Development Ltd in Ohafia in 2024, which became the template for the state’s rollout of Smart Schools across the State.
According to her, the Ogbor Central Smart School features 13 digitally equipped classrooms, an ICT centre, a modern library, an Early Childhood Care Development Centre, artificial intelligence-enabled learning systems, virtual and augmented reality facilities, renewable energy infrastructure and a dedicated girls’ room.
She added that the state had already enrolled about 375 pupils at the facility and would deploy the Federal Government’s newly launched digital learning resources to maximise learning outcomes.
The President-General of the Ubakala Clan Development Union, Elder Godwin Mbonu, expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for extending the Smart School initiative to the community, noting that the project is a priceless gift that would provide knowledge, dignity and opportunity for future generations.
