Education Minister Commissions Abia’s First Smart School, Hails Otti’s Education Reforms

The Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, has commissioned the Ogbo Central Smart School in Ubakala, describing it as a major step towards equipping Abia children with the skills needed to compete globally in the digital age.

Speaking during the inauguration on Tuesday, the Minister commended Alex Otti for what he described as visionary leadership and sustained investment in education, noting that true development is driven by investments in human capital rather than physical infrastructure alone.

Dr. Alausa said the Governor’s education reforms would ensure that children in Abia have access to the same quality of learning materials and technology available to their counterparts in advanced countries, including training in artificial intelligence.

In his address titled “Tomorrow is the Reward,” Governor Otti said the Ubakala facility is the first of three smart schools to be commissioned this month across the state’s three senatorial districts, while an additional 17 schools—one in each local government area—will be completed before the end of the year.

According to the Governor, each of the 20 smart schools will feature interactive digital boards, while every school will accommodate 300 pupils, with each learner receiving a tablet to enhance teaching and learning.

Governor Otti said the initiative is part of his administration’s strategy to build a technology-driven education system capable of producing innovative leaders and entrepreneurs, rather than graduates who depend solely on white-collar jobs.

He also announced that education in the smart schools will be free and compulsory, warning teachers against extortion and cautioning residents against vandalising government school facilities.

Responding to requests from the Ubakala community, the Governor directed the Commissioner for Works to install speed control measures along the Ubakala Road and instructed the Commissioner for Environment to address the area’s erosion challenges.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, described the project as evidence of the state’s commitment to preparing children for the future through quality education.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, Lady Lydia Onuoha, said the school comprises 13 digitally equipped classrooms, an Early Childhood Care Development Centre, a modern library, a 30-seat ICT centre, a sick bay and a dedicated girls’ room.

The Chief Executive Officer of Blue Giraffe Development Limited, Mrs. Orieji Okwara-Emele, said the project would have a lasting impact on the development of young learners, while the President General of the Ubakala Improvement Union, Elder Godwin Obioma Mbaonu, described the school as a legacy project that marks a new era for basic education in the community.

Before the commissioning, Governor Otti conducted the Minister on an inspection tour of the Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal and the ongoing Governor’s Office and Lodge projects in Umuahia. The tour was attended by senior government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole, the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and members of the State Executive Council.

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Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State