Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has commissioned the state’s second Smart School at Umuomaiukwu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, describing the project as a strategic investment in the future of Abia children.
Speaking during the inauguration on Tuesday, Governor Otti urged pupils to embrace hard work and make the most of the opportunities provided by the government.
“You have no excuse not to do well in your academics. Education is a sure foundation for fulfilment. Study harder than anyone else, ask questions, open your minds to learning and let nothing hold you back,” the governor said, adding that education in the school would be free.
He assured pupils that exceptional academic performance would attract local and international scholarship opportunities, stressing that his administration remains committed to rewarding excellence.
Governor Otti also warned against vandalising public facilities, stating that anyone caught damaging government property would face the full weight of the law. He disclosed that the Smart School is equipped with 24-hour internet access and CCTV surveillance to ensure a secure learning environment.
According to the governor, the Smart School initiative is designed to promote experiential learning, innovation and creativity while expanding access to quality education across Abia State.
Renowned writer and academic, Prof. Okey Ndibe, who attended as Special Guest of Honour, praised Otti’s leadership and commitment to transforming education in the state. He described investment in education as the most valuable investment any society can make and urged Abians to support purposeful leadership.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, said the Smart School reflects the administration’s vision of leveraging innovation and digital technology to transform education. He noted that the facility incorporates artificial intelligence, virtual reality, adaptive learning technologies and renewable energy to create a future-ready learning environment.
Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Mrs. Lydia Ezihe Onuoha, said the school represents a new era of technology-driven education and includes special facilities such as a private room for girls during menstruation.
Managing Director of Blue Giraffe, Chief Mrs. Orieji Okwara-Emele, revealed that the school can accommodate more than 300 pupils and is fully internet-enabled. She commended Governor Otti for adopting and expanding the smart school model across the state.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and members of the host community, who welcomed the project as another milestone in Abia’s education transformation agenda.
