The Governor of Abia State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming public education through technology with the commissioning of the Ogbo Central Smart School in Ipupe, Ubakala, Umuahia South Local Government Area.
The event, attended by the Honourable Minister of Education, marked the unveiling of the first of 20 Smart Schools to be established across the state’s 17 local government areas and three senatorial districts.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the governor described the Smart School initiative as a major investment in the future of Abia’s children, stressing that societies that prioritize knowledge, innovation and technology are better positioned to thrive in the modern world. He said the initiative is designed to transform public education into a technology-driven system that equips pupils with the skills needed to compete, innovate and lead in the global economy.
According to him, each Smart School is fitted with state-of-the-art facilities, including interactive learning boards, tablets for pupils, trained teachers, a sick bay, modern security systems and a learning environment that promotes creativity, academic excellence and character development. He noted that the facilities would enhance teaching and learning while preparing students for the demands of the digital age.
The governor also highlighted his administration’s broader investment in education, recalling that only a day earlier, the state launched the Manufacturing Technology (Manu-Tech) University Innovation Pod (UniPod) at . The project was delivered in collaboration with the Federal Government, and the to strengthen innovation, research and technological development in higher education.
He explained that the commissioning of the Smart School and the launch of the UniPod underscore the administration’s commitment to building human capital as the foundation for sustainable economic growth. The governor added that the state continues to dedicate 20 percent of its annual budget to education through improved infrastructure, teacher recruitment and retraining, as well as the implementation of free and compulsory basic education.
Calling for collective responsibility, the governor urged parents, guardians, community and religious leaders to support efforts aimed at nurturing children of good character while safeguarding public educational facilities. He warned that anyone found vandalising school infrastructure or extorting pupils or parents would face the full weight of the law.
The governor expressed appreciation to Minister Alausa for attending the commissioning ceremony and commended the Abia State Commissioner for Education, , and his team for their commitment to the successful delivery of the project. He concluded by saying that investments in education today would secure a brighter future for every child in Abia State and drive long-term development across the state.
