From Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
The Abia State Government has described the newly commissioned Smart School as one of its flagship projects aimed at transforming education and preparing children for a technology-driven future.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made this known while briefing journalists at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday.
According to Kanu, the Smart School initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to building a modern learning environment that can compete with global standards.
He explained that the school is equipped with advanced digital infrastructure, including a learning management system, school management software, a digital library, a teachers’ resource centre, and support offices for staff.
“The facility is powered by a solar energy system with dedicated lighting and water management infrastructure,” Kanu stated.
The commissioner further disclosed that every pupil from Primary One to Primary Six has been provided with an individual computer tablet, which will be used throughout their period of study in the school.
He noted that during the commissioning ceremony, Governor Alex Otti and the Minister of Education interacted with pupils and teachers in their classrooms to assess the learning environment firsthand.
Government Moves to Address Flooding at Ogbo Hill
Kanu also announced that Governor Otti has directed the Commissioner for Works to provide immediate intervention at the Ogbo Hill–Ovom Mechanic Village axis to tackle persistent flooding experienced during the rainy season.
Although the affected road falls under federal jurisdiction, the commissioner said the governor chose to intervene because the road serves Abia residents and businesses.
Admission Process Defended
Responding to questions from journalists, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Sir Kenechukwu Nwosu, dismissed allegations of favoritism in the admission process for the Smart School.
He maintained that the original pupils of the school were retained and that no child was unfairly excluded.
Nwosu also revealed that the Smart School project at School Road Primary School was not abandoned but redesigned to accommodate a much larger student population.
According to him, the initial plan was for about 300 pupils, but growing demand from parents made it necessary to expand the facility to accommodate at least 1,000 children.
“Because of the strategic location of the school and the data we gathered from parents seeking admission, we had to redesign the project to meet the increasing demand,” he explained.
He added that the government remains committed to ensuring that every child has access to quality education and that no pupil is left behind in the state’s educational reforms.
Supporting the position of the education adviser, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, described the allegations of favoritism as baseless.
“I can confidently say that the allegation is false and unfounded. The people of Abia understand how this administration operates,” Ekeoma said.
The Smart School initiative is widely regarded as one of the major education reforms being implemented by the Alex Otti administration to modernize teaching and learning across Abia State.
