Abia Smart School Training Ends In Style As 100 Teachers Empowered for Digital Learning (Photos, Video)

The Abia Smart School Teachers Training Initiative, introduced by the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, through the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), has successfully come to an end with a colourful closing ceremony held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the Wonderland Event Centre, Ishi Court, Umuahia.

The training, organized in partnership with Blue Giraffe Development Limited, is part of Governor Otti’s agenda to transform Abia’s education sector through digital learning and 21st-century teaching methods. Over 100 teachers drawn from across the state participated in the three-week capacity-building programme focused on smart classroom management, blended learning, and digital pedagogy.

During the closing event, teachers divided into six groups and made creative presentations, including songs, drama, and classroom demonstrations, to showcase the knowledge and skills gained during the training. Participants defined the concept of “Smart Teaching,” emphasizing that smart learning enhances interactivity, makes teaching more exciting, and brings classroom concepts to life through technology.

The teachers expressed excitement and appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for his visionary investment in digital education. They also commended the Commissioner for Education, Elder Goodluck Chinedu Ubochi, Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Uchechukwu Kalu, and ASUBEB Chairman, Mrs. Lydia Onuoha, for their strong support and supervision throughout the exercise.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of Blue Giraffe Development Limited, Rear Admiral Harry Ngonadi (Rtd.), congratulated the participants for their commitment and discipline throughout the training. He described the programme as a major milestone in the state’s education reform, noting that it marks “a journey that has reached a new beginning.”

Rear Admiral Ngonadi announced that before the end of December 2025, new Smart Schools will be completed and commissioned in Ubakala and Umuagbai, fully equipped with laptops, smart boards, and modern classroom furniture. He described Governor Otti as “a light shining across the education sector,” adding that Abia is now setting the pace for other states to follow.

Also speaking with ABN TV, Mrs Orieji Okwara-Emele, the MD, Blue Giraffe, expressed satisfaction with the success of the initiative, noting that the teachers are now ready to integrate technology into classroom learning across Abia State.

In her remarks, ASUBEB Chairman, Mrs Lydia Onuoha, commended the trained teachers, describing them as “special educators fully equipped to make Abia children smarter.” She reaffirmed that the initiative will be extended to all 17 local government areas of the state.

“We will not rest until every local government in Abia benefits from this initiative,” she said, while describing Governor Otti as “the smartest Governor in Nigeria.”

Mrs. Onuoha also appreciated Sir Kenechukwu Nwosu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, and the Ministry of Basic Education for their unwavering support in driving the Smart School vision.

Certificates of participation were presented to all the trained teachers and group leaders, while Mrs. Nnenna Okenwayi, commended facilitators including Mr. Wisdom Solomon, Mr. Ndubuisi, and Mr. Ayomide, representative of The Workplace Centre Tech (TWPC), for their professional delivery throughout the programme.

The Abia Smart School Teachers Training Initiative represents a major leap in Governor Otti’s education reform programme combining technology, teacher development, and infrastructure renewal to position Abia as a leading model in digital education across Nigeria.