NEWS
“You Have No Excuse Not to Do Well in Your Academics” — Governor Alex Otti Declares, Commissions Abia’s Second Smart School and Reinforces Commitment to Future-Ready Education
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to transforming education through technology and innovation with the commissioning of the second Smart School in the State.
The Governor, alongside renowned writer, university don and poet, Prof. Okey Ndibe, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, commissioned the state-of-the-art Smart School at Umuomaiukwu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, describing the project as another milestone in his administration’s efforts to build a world-class education system that will prepare Abia children for the demands of the future.
The commissioning ceremony attracted senior government officials, traditional rulers, members of the clergy and jubilant members of the host community, all of whom described the project as a significant step towards repositioning education in Abia State.
Addressing the pupils during the event, Governor Otti urged them to embrace hard work, discipline and a passion for learning, reminding them that the government has provided every facility required for them to excel academically.
“You have no excuse not to do well in your academics. Education is a sure 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 fees because everything has been provided by the government free of charge,“ Governor Otti stated.
The Governor described the Smart School initiative as a strategic investment in the future of Abia children, explaining that the schools are designed to promote experiential learning, innovation and creativity while expanding access to quality education across the State.
He assured the pupils that outstanding academic performance would be rewarded with local and international scholarship opportunities and other incentives. He stressed that his administration remains committed to recognising and rewarding excellence, encouraging every child to strive to become the best version of themselves.
The Governor also issued a strong warning against the vandalisation of public school facilities, declaring that anyone found tampering with government property would face the full weight of the law.
He further disclosed that the Smart School is equipped with 24-hour internet connectivity and CCTV surveillance to provide both a secure and technology-driven learning environment.
Reiterating that education remains the State’s foremost investment, Governor Otti expressed confidence that the Smart School initiative would nurture a new generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders capable of driving Abia’s future development and economic prosperity.
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 education.
He described the Governor as a man with a long-standing record of excellence, tracing his remarkable academic achievements and distinguished banking career to his emergence as Governor.
According to him, Governor Otti has consistently demonstrated the qualities of purposeful leadership and responsible stewardship.
Prof. Ndibe maintained that investment in education remains the most valuable investment any society can make. He applauded the Governor’s efforts in building a brighter future through quality education and human capital development and urged Abians to sustain the current pace of development by supporting purposeful leadership.
Also speaking, the Member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency, Hon. Collins Ugochukwu Iheonunekwu (OCHAKE), and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD, commended Governor Otti for placing education at the centre of his administration’s development agenda.
They described the Smart School initiative as a transformative investment that will improve learning outcomes, expose pupils to modern technology and prepare Abia children to compete favourably on the global stage.
The two leaders further assured the Governor that the people of Nsulu and the entire Isiala Ngwa North would reward his developmental strides with overwhelming votes in the 2027 elections.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, described the commissioning as another milestone in the State’s education transformation agenda.
He explained that the Smart School initiative reflects Governor Otti’s vision of repositioning education through innovation, digital technology and sustainable learning infrastructure, noting that the model combines artificial intelligence, virtual reality, adaptive learning technologies and renewable energy to create a future-ready learning environment.
Giving an overview of the project, the Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Mrs. Lydia Ezihe Onuoha, said the initiative represents a paradigm shift in basic education.
She explained that the Smart School was designed to provide inclusive, technology-driven learning while ensuring sustainability through effective maintenance and community ownership.
Mrs. Onuoha also disclosed that the school has a special room for girls to provide them with the privacy needed to take care of themselves during menstruation.
In her goodwill message, the Managing Director of Blue Giraffe, Chief Mrs. Orieji Okwara-Emele, revealed that the Umuomaiukwu Smart School is built to accommodate more than 300 pupils and is fully internet compliant.
She appreciated Governor Otti for recognising the value of privately developed smart school models after commissioning one and for deciding to replicate the initiative across Abia State to ensure that more children benefit from technology-driven education.
The commissioning of the Umuomaiukwu Smart School marks another major milestone in Governor Otti’s ongoing education revolution, further demonstrating his administration’s determination to equip Abia children with world-class learning facilities, digital skills and the knowledge required to t
hrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.