The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has commissioned the Ogbo Central Smart School, Ubakala, in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, describing Governor Dr. Alex Otti as a visionary leader whose investments in education are laying the foundation for Nigeria’s future.
The state-of-the-art Smart School, built by the Abia State Government, was officially inaugurated on Tuesday, July 7, as part of the Governor’s initiative to reposition public education through technology-driven learning and human capital development.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Dr. Alausa commended Governor Otti for prioritising education, noting that true development is measured not only by roads, bridges, and other physical infrastructure but by strategic investments in people.
According to the Minister, Governor Otti’s education reforms are designed to equip every child in Abia State with the knowledge, digital skills, and critical thinking required to compete successfully both nationally and internationally.
“When you have a Governor who says, ‘I’m going to build not just one, not two, not three, but twenty smart schools,’ that is a Governor who truly cares about his people. He wants Abia children to lead Nigeria and the world,” Dr. Alausa said.
He added that pupils in the school would have access to the same quality of learning resources available in developed countries, including Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled learning tools.
“Children here will receive the same educational materials available to children in America and London. They will learn AI, and in the years ahead, Abia will lead the world,” the Minister stated.
Delivering his address titled “Tomorrow is the Reward,” Governor Otti described the Ogbo Central Smart School as the first of three Smart Schools to be commissioned across the state’s three senatorial districts this month.
He disclosed that an additional 17 Smart Schools, one in each Local Government Area, would be completed and commissioned before the end of the year, bringing the total to 20.
According to the Governor, each Smart School will feature interactive digital boards, while every school will accommodate 300 pupils, with each learner receiving a personal tablet to enhance classroom learning.
“Abia has clearly entered a new era of technology-driven and participatory learning. Every pupil in these schools will have access to digital tools that support modern education,” Otti said.
He explained that his administration’s broader vision is to build a generation of innovative leaders capable of transforming the state’s economy through knowledge, creativity and entrepreneurship rather than merely acquiring certificates in search of jobs.
Governor Otti declared that education in all Smart Schools would be free and compulsory, warning teachers against extortion and cautioning against vandalism of public school infrastructure.
Responding to requests from the Ubakala community, the Governor directed the Commissioner for Works to install speed-calming measures along Ubakala Road and instructed the Commissioner for Environment to address erosion challenges in the area.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, described the commissioning as a bold declaration that Abia is preparing its children for the future through quality education.
He commended Governor Otti for consistently demonstrating that education remains the foundation for sustainable development and economic growth.
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 preparing Abia children for the demands of the 21st-century global economy.
She disclosed that the newly commissioned school features 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, making it one of the most advanced public primary schools in the country.
The Chief Executive Officer of Blue Giraffe Development Limited, Mrs. Orieji Okwara-Emele, commended Governor Otti for his commitment to transforming education, noting that the Smart School project would have a lasting impact on generations of Abia children.
In his remarks, the President General of the Ubakala Improvement Union, Elder Godwin Obioma Mbaonu, described the project as “the beginning of a new chapter in basic education” for the community and the state.
He thanked Governor Otti for what he described as a legacy of visionary leadership, assuring him of the community’s appreciation and continued support.
Before the commissioning ceremony, Governor Otti took the Minister of Education on an inspection tour of the Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal and the ongoing Governor’s Office and Lodge projects at the Government House, Umuahia.
The Secretary attended the event to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, commissioners, senior government officials, traditional rulers, education stakeholders, and members of the Ubakala community.
