Gov.Otti Commissions Abia’s Second Smart School, Charges Pupils to Excel

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has commissioned the second Smart School in the state at Umuomaiukwu, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Governor Otti commissioned the Smart School alongside renowned writer, university don, and poet, Prof. Okey Ndibe, on Tuesday.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Governor Otti charged the pupils to embrace hard work, discipline, and diligence in their academic pursuits. He stressed that with the establishment of the Smart School, they now have access to all the facilities and resources required to excel.
“You have no excuse not to do well in your academics. Education is the surest foundation for fulfilment.
“Study harder than anyone else, ask questions, open your minds to learning, and let nothing hold you back.
“You do not have to worry about school fees because everything has been provided by the government free of charge,” Governor Otti said.
The Governor described the Smart School initiative as a strategic investment in the future of Abia children. He explained that the schools are designed to promote experiential learning, innovation, and creativity while expanding access to quality education across the state.
Governor Otti assured the pupils that exceptional academic performance would be rewarded with local and international scholarship opportunities, as well as other incentives.
He reaffirmed that his administration remains committed to recognising and rewarding excellence.
He also warned against the vandalisation of public school facilities, declaring that anyone found tampering with government property would face the full weight of the law.
Governor Otti disclosed that the Smart School is equipped with 24-hour internet connectivity and Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance systems to guarantee the security of the facility and its users.
He reiterated that education remains the state’s most important investment, expressing confidence that the Smart School initiative would nurture a new generation of innovators, critical thinkers, and leaders capable of driving Abia’s future development.
The Special Guest of Honour, Prof. Okey Ndibe, commended Governor Otti for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming Abia State through strategic investments, particularly in the education sector.
He described the Governor as a leader with a long-standing record of excellence, tracing his remarkable academic achievements and distinguished banking career to his emergence as Governor.
According to Prof. Ndibe, Governor Otti has consistently demonstrated the qualities of visionary leadership, integrity, and responsible stewardship in the service of the people.
Prof. Ndibe emphasised that investment in education remains the greatest investment any society can make.
He applauded the Governor’s commitment to building a better future through quality education and human capital development and urged Abians to sustain the current pace of development by continuing to support purposeful and visionary leadership.
In their separate remarks, the Member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency, Hon. Collins Iheonunekwu, and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, commended Governor Otti for prioritising education and investing in the future of Abia children.
They described the Smart School initiative as a transformative project that would significantly improve learning outcomes, expose pupils to modern educational technologies, and prepare them to compete effectively in the global knowledge economy.
They further assured the Governor that the people of Nsulu and the entire Isiala Ngwa North would reciprocate his developmental strides with overwhelming support in the 2027 elections.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, described the project as another major milestone in the state’s ongoing education transformation agenda.
He said the Smart School initiative reflects Governor Otti’s vision of repositioning education through innovation, digital technology, and sustainable learning infrastructure. According to him, the Smart School model integrates artificial intelligence, virtual reality, adaptive learning technologies, and renewable energy to create a future-ready learning environment capable of meeting global educational standards.
Providing an overview of the project, the Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Mrs. Lydia Ezihe Onuoha, described the initiative as a paradigm shift in basic education delivery in the state.
She explained that the project is designed to provide inclusive, technology-driven learning while ensuring long-term sustainability through effective maintenance, community ownership, and continuous innovation.
Mrs. Onuoha further disclosed that the school includes a dedicated girls’ room to provide privacy and support for female pupils during menstruation, thereby promoting dignity, comfort, and uninterrupted learning.
In her goodwill message, the Managing Director of Blue Giraffe, Chief Mrs. Orieji Okwara-Emele, said the Umuomaiukwu Smart School was built to accommodate more than 300 pupils and is fully internet-enabled.
She appreciated Governor Otti for recognising the value of the privately developed Smart School model after commissioning one earlier and for taking the bold step of replicating the concept across Abia State to expand access to world-class education.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior government officials, traditional rulers, members of the clergy, education stakeholders, community leaders, and enthusiastic members of the host community, who expressed appreciation for the landmark project.