The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has commissioned the Ogbo Central Smart School in Ubakala, Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, describing the project as a bold investment in human capital that will prepare young people for global competitiveness.
The state-of-the-art facility, built by the Abia State Government under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, is part of the administration’s ongoing effort to modernise public education through technology-driven learning and digital innovation.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, the Minister praised Governor Otti’s commitment to educational transformation, noting that meaningful development goes beyond constructing roads and bridges to investing in the knowledge, skills, and capacity of citizens.
According to Dr. Alausa, the governor’s education reforms are designed to equip every child in Abia with the tools needed to compete successfully both within Nigeria and internationally.
He commended the administration for embarking on the construction of multiple smart schools across the state instead of limiting the initiative to a few locations.
The Minister said the facilities would provide pupils with access to modern learning resources comparable to what is obtainable in advanced countries, adding that students would also gain early exposure to emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).
He expressed confidence that such strategic investments would position Abia as one of Nigeria’s leading centres for innovation and educational excellence in the coming years.
In his address titled “Tomorrow is the Reward,” Governor Alex Otti described the Ogbo Central Smart School as the first of three smart schools scheduled for commissioning across the state’s three senatorial districts this month.
He disclosed that the government plans to complete and commission a total of 20 smart schools before the end of the year, with one located in each of the 17 local government areas in addition to the three already under construction.
Governor Otti explained that each smart school will feature interactive digital boards, while every school will accommodate about 300 pupils, with 30 learners per classroom. Every pupil, he added, will receive a learning tablet to support digital education.
According to the governor, the initiative marks the beginning of a new era of technology-driven and participatory learning in Abia State.
He noted that the commissioning of the Manufacturing Technology University Innovation Pod (Manu-Tech UniPod) a day earlier and the launch of the smart school demonstrate his administration’s determination to prioritise education, innovation, and human capital development.
Governor Otti stressed that his government’s vision extends beyond producing certificate holders, saying the goal is to nurture innovative, skilled and visionary young people capable of creating jobs, driving economic growth and unlocking the state’s vast potential.
He further announced that education in the smart schools would be free and compulsory, while warning teachers against extortion and cautioning members of the public against vandalising educational infrastructure across the state.
Responding to requests from the Ubakala community, the governor directed the Commissioner for Works to install speed calming measures along the Ubakala road and instructed the Commissioner for Environment to address erosion challenges affecting the area.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, described the project as a practical demonstration of the government’s commitment to preparing children for the future through quality education.
He said the initiative reflects Governor Otti’s belief that education remains the strongest foundation for sustainable development and the future prosperity of Abia’s children.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Lady Lydia Onuoha, described the Smart School Initiative as a strategic investment aimed at equipping learners with 21st-century digital skills.
She revealed that the Ogbo Central Smart School features 13 fully digitised classrooms, an Early Childhood Care Development Centre, a modern library, a 30-seat ICT centre, a sick bay and a dedicated girls’ room.
Chief Executive Officer of Blue Giraffe Development Limited, Mrs. Orieji Okwara-Emele, commended the Abia State Government for prioritising quality education, saying the project would have a lasting impact on future generations.
The President General of the Ubakala Improvement Union, Elder Godwin Obioma Mbaonu, expressed appreciation to Governor Otti, describing the project as a historic milestone that opens a new chapter in basic education for the community and the entire state.
Before the commissioning ceremony, Governor Otti conducted the Minister of Education on an inspection tour of the newly completed Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal as well as the ongoing Governor’s Office and Government House Lodge projects in Umuahia.
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The event was attended by top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, commissioners and other senior government functionaries.
