Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has commissioned another state-of-the-art Smart School in Umuomaiukwu, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transforming education through technology, innovation, and quality learning infrastructure.
The newly inaugurated facility, commissioned on Tuesday, July 22, 2026, marks the second Smart School established under Governor Otti’s education reform agenda. The event was attended by renowned author and academic Prof. Okey Ndibe, senior government officials, traditional rulers, clergy, and members of the host community.
Addressing pupils during the ceremony, Governor Otti urged them to embrace hard work, discipline, and academic excellence, emphasizing that the government has provided everything necessary for them to succeed.
He encouraged the students to remain focused on their studies, ask questions, and make full use of the school’s modern learning facilities, noting that education remains the strongest foundation for a successful future. The Governor also reminded the pupils that education in the Smart School is free, removing financial barriers to quality learning.
Governor Otti described the Smart School initiative as a strategic investment in the future of Abia’s children, explaining that the schools are designed to promote experiential learning, creativity, innovation, and digital literacy while expanding access to world-class education across the state.
He further disclosed that exceptional academic performance would attract local and international scholarship opportunities as well as other incentives, stressing that his administration is committed to rewarding excellence wherever it is found.
The Governor also warned against vandalizing public facilities, stating that anyone caught destroying government property would face legal consequences. He revealed that the Smart School is equipped with 24-hour internet connectivity and CCTV surveillance systems to enhance learning and ensure the safety of pupils and staff.
Reaffirming education as one of his administration’s top priorities, Governor Otti expressed confidence that the Smart School initiative would produce a new generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and future leaders capable of driving sustainable development in Abia State.
In his remarks, special guest Prof. Okey Ndibe praised Governor Otti’s leadership and vision, describing him as a leader with an impressive record of excellence in academics, banking, and public service. He commended the Governor’s unwavering investment in education, saying that no investment yields greater returns than educating future generations.
Prof. Ndibe urged Abians to continue supporting purposeful leadership, noting that the ongoing transformation in the state’s education sector would have lasting benefits for generations to come.
Also speaking at the event, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency, Hon. Collins Iheonunekwu, and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, applauded the administration for prioritizing education. They described the Smart School project as a transformational initiative that will prepare Abia children to compete globally through technology-driven learning.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, described the commissioning as another milestone in the state’s education transformation agenda. According to him, the Smart School initiative reflects the government’s vision of integrating innovation, digital technology, and sustainable infrastructure into public education.
He explained that the schools are equipped with advanced learning technologies, including artificial intelligence, virtual reality, adaptive learning systems, and renewable energy solutions to create a modern educational environment.
Providing an overview of the project, Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Mrs. Lydia Ezihe Onuoha, said the Smart School represents a new direction for basic education by providing inclusive, technology-driven learning while promoting sustainability through effective maintenance and community ownership.
She added that the school also includes a dedicated hygiene room for girls, providing privacy and support for menstrual health management.
In her goodwill message, Managing Director of Blue Giraffe, Chief Mrs. Orieji Okwara-Emele, disclosed that the Umuomaiukwu Smart School has the capacity to accommodate more than 300 pupils and is fully internet-enabled. She commended Governor Otti for expanding the Smart School model across Abia after experiencing the success of privately developed digital learning facilities.
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The commissioning ceremony attracted top government officials, community leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and residents who celebrated another milestone in the state’s ongoing education reforms.
