Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving access to quality education through the construction of smart schools across the state.
Otti stated this on Wednesday while inaugurating the Umuomayiukwu Smart School in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, one of the 20 smart schools being constructed across the state’s 17 local government areas.
The governor said the initiative was aimed at equipping children with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving, knowledge-based economy, stressing that education remains the foundation of sustainable development.
“My administration is investing in modern learning facilities to nurture innovation, critical thinking and excellence among our young people.
“The smart school initiative is designed to provide pupils with rich experiential learning through state-of-the-art facilities and highly trained teachers,” he said.
Otti disclosed that more smart schools would be inaugurated before the end of the year, expanding access to quality education for about 6,000 pupils across the state.
“The remainder of the year will be busy as we open the new schools to expand the learning frontiers for about 6,000 pupils across the state,” he added.
He said the project reflects his administration’s long-term vision of preparing children for future opportunities by creating an enabling learning environment.
“The entire ecosystem, from the classrooms to the general environment, the quality of teachers and available facilities, is designed to inspire pupils to dream big and aspire to greatness.
“Prosperity in the modern era depends more on the capacity of the human mind to create value than on natural resources,” the governor said.
Otti urged the pupils to take full advantage of the free education and world-class facilities provided by the state government by remaining dedicated to their studies.
“You should study harder than anyone else, ask questions and keep your minds open to learning. You do not have to worry about fees or levies because everything has been provided free by the government,” he said.
READ ALSO: Gov Zulum Unveils Plan to Deliver Seamless 2027 Hajj Operations for Borno Pilgrims
He also warned against vandalism, noting that the schools have been equipped with modern security systems, including Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras.
“Anyone who attempts to vandalise these facilities will be treated as a saboteur,” he warned.
Speaking at the event, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Collins Iheonunekwu, commended Otti for fulfilling his campaign promises through the smart school project.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Goodluck Ubochi, said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to transforming the education sector through sustained investment in smart schools and technology-driven learning.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Lydia Onuoha, said the schools were designed to equip Abia children with the knowledge and skills required to compete globally in science, technology, engineering and other critical fields.
