In a bold move to transform its educational landscape, the Abia State Government has signed a landmark contract with Blue Giraffe Development Limited to construct 20 Smart Schools across the state. The agreement, formalized on Saturday, July 12, 2025, in Umuahia, marks the commencement of the first phase of Governor Alex Otti’s ambitious Smart School initiative.
The contract was signed by the Hon. Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Goodluck Chinedu Ubochi, who emphasized that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure—it represents a fundamental shift in how education is delivered in Abia.
“This initiative is not only about infrastructure but a revolution in how learning happens. Abia students must be able to compete globally, and that begins with access to quality digital education,” Ubochi stated.
The 20 Smart Schools will be distributed across all 17 Local Government Areas, with an additional school in each senatorial zone to promote equity and accessibility. These schools will feature state-of-the-art technology, including Smart Boards, digital registration systems, and CCTV surveillance to ensure security.
To protect these facilities, the government has deployed Homeland Security personnel to each site. Mr. Ubochi warned against vandalism and theft, stressing that offenders will face serious consequences.
Echoing this message, Mr. Kenechukwu Nwosu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, reiterated that the schools are long-term investments, not temporary projects. “These Smart Schools represent the digital future of Abia education, and we will not compromise their integrity,” he said.
Rear Admiral Harry Ngonadi (Rtd.), Chairman of Blue Giraffe Development Ltd, joined by Managing Director Mrs. Orieji Okwara-Emele and Project Manager Mr. Nnamdi Ogbuagu, shared their vision to phase out outdated educational tools in favor of interactive digital systems. “We are eliminating chalk and analog methods. Teachers will now use Smart Boards, and this is only the beginning,” Emele noted.
Mr. Onyinye Nwosu, State Director of the Project Implementation Bureau, called the initiative a “new dawn” for education in the state. He underscored the administration’s commitment to free and inclusive enrollment, ensuring no child is left behind due to economic status.
“This shift from chalkboards to Smart Boards, from exclusion to equity, from vulnerability to secured, future-proof learning environments, is a clear statement of Abia’s commitment to global educational standards,” Nwosu concluded.
The event was attended by Homeland Security agents, Blue Giraffe executives, and other stakeholders, all united in advancing a digitally empowered future for Abia’s students.
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