Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has commissioned the Ofali Agwu Digital Smart School in Amaekpu, Ohafia Local Government Area, reiterating his administration’s commitment to revolutionize Education in the State.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti acknowledged the instrumental role played by the Facilitator and Member, Representing Arochukwu Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, with the support from Stakeholders and Development Partners who piloted the project.
The Governor explained that the Ofali Agwu Digital Smart School, equipped with Modern ICT tools, E-Learning Platforms, is part of his administrations Educational Blueprint to elevate the standards of public schools adding that prototype schools would be rolled out across the state.
“If you follow what we are doing with Education, we are not accepting half measures. It is either it is done well or it is not done at all
“Our schools are going to be looking different, there are no exceptions, once it is a public school there is a minimum standard.
“Where we are today may be looking good but this is not the standard. We have sat down and developed a prototype, a model that we have started in implementing and rolling out”, he stated.
Governor Otti revealed that 20% of the 2024 budget was allocated to Education, and assured that the commitment would continue in 2025 in addition to the rollout of free and compulsory Education from Primary to Junior Secondary levels by the State Government.
He further disclosed that from January next year, it would be a punishable offense to see a child hawking during school hours, adding that errant parents would face legal consequences.
“The whole idea is that everybody in Abia , whether you are from Abia or you are not, so long as you live in this State and you are of school age you must go to school.
“It therefore becomes a punishable offence for me to see a child hawking during school hours, so you have been put on notice. The number of out of school children in Abia will be zero”, Gov Otti said.
The Governor who unveiled plans to retrain teachers to align with global digital trends said his government is retraining teachers who can fit into the digital world and are knowledgeable with to use computer, Artificial intelligence, Robotics, 3-D printing , Electric Vehicles and Driverless cars , Interactive Technology among others.
In his address, the Member Representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa described the project as a bold step toward transforming Education in Abia State, adding that it aligns with the Governor’s vision in preparing Abia children for the demands of a technologically advanced world.
The Federal Lawmaker disclosed that the facility replaces traditional chalkboards and marker boards with state-of-the-art, interactive digital screens equipped with cameras as well as digital screens that capture classroom activities and allow students to revisit lessons at any time, while also enabling remote participation for learners outside the school premises.
He emphasized the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, and pointed out that his aim is to ensure that the children are equipped with the basics available globally to enable them compete confidently with their peers anywhere in the world.
He said that the school’s teachers, from Nursery to Secondary levels, have undergone comprehensive training to operate the new Technology with over 70 trained educators, expected to serve as trainers for others and expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders including Governor Otti for contributing to the initiative.
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The Representative of the various Development Partners, Mr Olayomi Gbolahan, in his remarks, said they happy to be part of history aimed at bringing the state in tune with the 21st Century teaching and learning demands, adding that the facility is equipped with full ICT, 24 Hours Solar Powered, CCTV Cameras and can be used for other purpose such as Youth Empowerment, Women Digital Training and Skills Acquisition Centre.
The benefitting School Ofali Agwu Secondary School through one of its students, Miss Blessing Chidowe, thanked Governor Otti and the facilitator Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa for the massive transformation and called for perimeter fencing of the School to safeguard lives and the facility.
The Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Mayor of Ohafia LGA, Chief Eleanya Kalu, Stakeholders from the Development Partners, the WOWBII Digital World, Traditional Rulers and other prominent Sons and Daughters of Ohafia were present during the Commissioning ceremony.
