……..Hails Otti’s Technology-Driven Learning Revolution.
FIC Report (Abia State) – The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to raising education standards across Nigeria, declaring that the nation’s future lies in building a knowledge-driven economy powered by innovation, digital technology and quality human capital.
This was evident as the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, commissioned the Ogbo Central Smart School, Ubakala, built by the Abia State Government under Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.
He described the project as a model of the exemplary education standards being promoted under the Federal Government’s education transformation agenda.
The Minister praised Governor Otti’s visionary leadership and bold investment in education.
He,however , stressed that true national development is measured not only by roads, bridges and physical infrastructure, but by deliberate investments in human capital capable of driving innovation, economic growth and global competitiveness.
According to Dr. Alausa, the Federal Government’s education reforms are focused on equipping every Nigerian child with world-class learning opportunities, digital literacy, critical thinking skills and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), to prepare them for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
He described the Abia Smart School Initiative as a practical demonstration of the education revolution championed by the Federal Government, noting that pupils in the school will enjoy the same quality of digital learning resources available to children in leading countries around the world.
“Today, Abia children will receive the same quality educational materials available to children in America and London. They will learn Artificial Intelligence and acquire skills that will position them to compete globally. This is what transformational leadership looks like,” the Minister said.
Governor Alex Otti, in his address titled “Tomorrow is the Reward,” said the commissioning of the Ubakala Smart School marks the beginning of a statewide rollout of 20 fully digital smart schools—one in each Local Government Area,with three scheduled for commissioning this month across the three senatorial districts.
He disclosed that each school will feature interactive smart boards, modern ICT facilities and tablets for every pupil, with 300 learners per school and 30 pupils per classroom to guarantee effective learning outcomes.
Governor Otti said the initiative signals Abia’s transition into a technology-driven and participatory education system designed to nurture innovators, entrepreneurs and future global leaders rather than certificate seekers.
“Our goal is to transform our human capital into the principal engine of economic growth and accelerated development. Education must produce solution providers and wealth creators capable of unlocking the enormous opportunities around them,” Governor Otti stated.
He announced that education in all the Smart Schools would remain free and compulsory, while warning against extortion by teachers and acts of vandalism targeting public school facilities.
The Governor further directed the Commissioner for Works to install speed calming measures on the Ubakala Road and instructed the Commissioner for Environment to address the erosion challenge in the community.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, described the project as a bold declaration that Abia is deliberately preparing its children for the future through technology-enabled education.
Similarly, the Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Lady Lydia Onuoha, said the Smart School Initiative is a strategic investment in developing globally competitive learners equipped with 21st-century skills.
She explained that the Ogbo Central Smart School comprises 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, all designed to provide an inclusive and conducive learning environment.
Chief Executive Officer of Blue Giraffe Development Limited, Mrs. Orieji Okwara-Emele, commended Governor Otti for prioritising educational development, noting that the project would shape generations of future leaders.
President General of the Ubakala Improvement Union, Elder Godwin Obioma Mbaonu, described the facility as “the opening of a new chapter in basic education” and a lasting legacy of visionary leadership, expressing the community’s profound appreciation to the Governor.
Before the commissioning, Governor Otti conducted the Minister on an inspection tour of the Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal and the ongoing Governor’s Office and Lodge projects in Umuahia, underscoring his administration’s integrated approach to infrastructure, innovation and human capital development.
The commissioning of the Ogbo Central Smart School further reinforces the Federal Government’s resolve to entrench globally competitive education standards while showcasing Abia State as a leading example of how strategic investments in digital learning can revolutionise public education and position Nigeria for sustainable national development.
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State .
8th July ,2026.
