Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
In a bold move to revolutionize its education sector, the Abia State Government has signed a contract with Blue Giraffe Development Limited for the construction of 20 Smart Schools across the state.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Umuahia, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Goodluck Ubochi, said the initiative marked the launch of the first phase of Governor Alex Otti’s Smart School project, designed to digitally empower students and modernize education delivery in the state.
Ubochi, who signed on behalf of the state government, explained that the 20 Smart Schools would be strategically located across the 17 local government areas, with three additional schools—one in each senatorial district—to ensure equity and accessibility.
“This initiative is not just about building infrastructure but about transforming the way learning takes place,” the Commissioner said. “Abia students must be able to compete globally, and that starts with access to quality digital education.”
He stressed that access to the Smart Schools would be free and inclusive, regardless of students’ economic background.
“Whether a child comes from a rich or poor home, they will receive equal treatment and opportunities in these schools,” he affirmed.
The Commissioner also disclosed that personnel from the Abia State Homeland Security outfit would be deployed to the schools to ensure safety. Each school will feature advanced learning technologies, including Smart Boards, digital registration systems, and surveillance equipment.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Kenechukwu Nwosu, reiterated the government’s commitment to making Abia a trailblazer in the education sector.
He warned against vandalism or theft of school infrastructure, stating that CCTV cameras would be installed to monitor activities within the premises and culprits would be prosecuted.
“These Smart Schools are not temporary projects or white elephant schemes,” Nwosu said. “They represent the digital future of Abia education, and we will not compromise their integrity.”
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Blue Giraffe Development Ltd, Rear Admiral Harry Ngonadi (rtd); Managing Director, Mrs. Orieji Okwara-Emele; and Project Manager, Mr. Nnamdi Ogbuagu, said the initiative would replace outdated teaching methods with interactive digital tools.
“We are phasing out chalkboards and analog methods. Teachers in these 20 pilot schools will use Smart Boards, and more schools will follow,” Emele added.
Mr. Onyinye Nwosu, State Director, Project Implementation Bureau, described the project as a “new dawn in Abia’s educational journey,” reflecting a shift from exclusion to equity, and from traditional methods to future-proof learning environments.
“By investing in digital education and prioritizing security, Abia is positioning itself as a leader in Nigeria’s educational transformation,” he said.
He added that student registration would be fully digitized and enrollment would be free for all pupils, as part of efforts to align Abia’s education system with global standards and improve students’ competitiveness in academic and technological fields.
