Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has commissioned the second smart school built by his administration, located at Umuomaiukwu, a rural community in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area. The school is part of a broader plan to transform basic education in the state, with 20 such schools planned for the first phase.
Features of the Umuomaiukwu Smart School
The Umuomaiukwu Smart School is fully powered off-grid, relying on 100% solar energy. It is equipped with modern learning gadgets, including tablets for each pupil and a dedicated ICT lab with computers that rural children are already operating seamlessly. The classrooms are fully digital, and teachers use high-end gadgets for instruction. According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Sir Kenechukwu Nwosu, there is seamless IT connectivity between this school and the first smart school in Ubakala.
The school also features a sickbay with dedicated nurses, a girls' room to support young girls facing puberty challenges, a counseling room for children with emotional difficulties, a library, and sparkling clean restrooms with constant water supply. An electronic clocking system monitors teacher attendance and activates gadget usage.
Governor Otti's Commitment to Quality
Governor Otti himself acknowledged earlier delays, stating, "We have not done very well in the area of delivering the smart schools. But we will get it right." His administration's track record, particularly the successful completion of Port Harcourt Road in Aba, has earned public trust. One commentator noted, "Since fixing Port Harcourt Road successfully, I have learnt to trust this governor."
The contractor, Blue Giraffe, is implementing the governor's vision faithfully. Otti is described as a man of taste and high standards, using the best hands for projects. The school is completely free for pupils.
Future Plans
The third smart school is almost ready at Umuogele in Aba South LGA, and more will follow. The plan is for each local government to have at least one smart school, with additional ones per senatorial district. Observers believe that by 2031, when Otti's tenure is expected to end, Abians will be accustomed to this standard, ensuring continuity in education quality.
