Gov Otti Commissions Umuomaiukwu Smart School, Says Investment in Education Will Shape Responsible Future Leaders

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has expressed confidence that the massive investment his administration is making in education will produce responsible, innovative and globally competitive citizens who will contribute meaningfully to the development of society.

Governor Otti stated this while commissioning the Umuomaiukwu Smart School in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, the second of the 20 Smart Schools being constructed across the state’s 17 local government areas by his administration.

Describing the project as the highest expression of the state’s faith in the limitless potential of Abia children, the Governor said the schools have been equipped with state-of-the-art facilities while competent teachers have been recruited and trained to drive effective teaching and learning.

He noted that his administration has delivered hundreds of infrastructure projects across virtually every community in the state over the past three years through prudent resource management and effective planning.

Governor Otti also disclosed that the Smart School is fitted with modern security systems for round-the-clock surveillance, warning that anyone who attempts to vandalize the facility would face the full weight of the law.

Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour, US-based poet and columnist, Professor Okey Ndibe, praised Governor Otti’s leadership style, describing him as a leader committed to service, collaboration and transformative governance.

Professor Ndibe commended the administration’s huge investment in education, particularly the Smart School initiative, describing it as the foundation for sustainable development in a knowledge-driven economy. He urged Abians to sustain the ongoing reforms and preserve the gains of the current administration beyond Governor Otti’s tenure.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, said the facility reflects the state’s unwavering commitment to transforming education through deliberate and sustained investment aimed at nurturing creativity, critical thinking, innovation and digital excellence among learners.

According to him, the Smart School concept goes beyond impressive buildings and modern technology, representing a new educational philosophy designed to prepare children not only to excel academically but also to compete, innovate and lead in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, said the newly commissioned Smart School underscores Governor Otti’s commitment to expanding access to quality education and equipping Abia children with skills for the future.

Pastor Ajagba added that the administration has continued to execute major infrastructure projects in Isiala Ngwa, including roads and the ongoing Abia Airport project at Nsulu, while prioritising educational development.

In his remarks, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency, Hon. Collins Iheonunekwu, commended Governor Otti for fulfilling his campaign promises through the project and appealed to members of the host community to safeguard the facility against vandalism.

Presenting an address, the Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Lady Lydia Onuoha, said the Smart Schools initiative aligns with the Abia First Reform Initiative Framework and is designed to prepare children with the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills needed to thrive in a globally competitive world.

She explained that the Smart School features 10 classrooms with a capacity of 30 pupils each, an inclusive early childhood classroom, a library, an ICT centre with 24-hour internet connectivity, a sickbay and a dedicated girls’ room, describing the model as a paradigm shift that combines advanced technology with innovative teaching methods.

The Managing Director of Blue Giraffe Development Limited, Mrs Orieji Okwara-Emele, described the school as a gateway to opportunities that will equip children with digital knowledge and globally relevant skills, while appreciating the Abia State Government and all stakeholders for making the project a reality.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu and his wife, the First Lady of the State, Mrs Priscilla Otti, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers and other distinguished guests.