Otti commissions Abia's first smart school, reaffirms commitment to education

Education

UMUAHIA, Nigeria (NPA) — Abia State Governor Alex Otti has commissioned the Ogbo Central Smart School in Ipupe, Ubakala, Umuahia South Local Government Area, marking the launch of the first of 20 Smart Schools planned across the state’s 17 local government areas and three senatorial districts.

Speaking during the inauguration, Otti described the project as a major investment in the future of Abia’s children and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming public education through technology and innovation.

“Tomorrow is the reward for the investments we make today, and together, we are building a brighter future for every Abia child,” the governor said.

The commissioning was attended by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, who joined the governor in unveiling the facility.

According to Otti, the Smart Schools initiative is designed to equip pupils with the knowledge and digital skills required to compete in a rapidly changing global economy.

“The future belongs to societies that invest in knowledge, innovation and technology. We are transforming public education into a technology-driven system that prepares our children not just to earn certificates, but to compete, innovate and lead,” he said.

Each Smart School is equipped with interactive learning boards, digital tablets for pupils, trained teachers, a sick bay, modern security systems and learning facilities designed to promote creativity, academic excellence and character development.

The governor noted that the inauguration followed the launch of the Manufacturing Technology (Manu-Tech) University Innovation Pod at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, a project implemented in partnership with the Federal Government, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

He said the two initiatives reflected the state’s strategy of investing in human capital as a foundation for sustainable economic growth.

Otti disclosed that his administration allocates 20 per cent of the state’s annual budget to education, covering school infrastructure, teacher recruitment and retraining, as well as the implementation of free and compulsory basic education.

He called on parents, guardians, community leaders and religious organisations to support efforts to protect public school facilities and nurture responsible children.

The governor warned that anyone found vandalising school infrastructure or extorting pupils or parents would face the full weight of the law.

He also commended the Minister of Education and the state’s Commissioner for Education, Goodluck Chinedu Ubochi, for their support and commitment to the successful delivery of the project.