Abia State Governor Alex Otti has formalized a groundbreaking partnership with Blue Giraffe Development Ltd. to establish 20 smart schools throughout the state, marking a significant step toward revolutionizing education in Abia. The initiative aims to integrate advanced digital learning technologies, including interactive learning systems, computerized boards, high-speed internet connectivity, and solar-powered electricity, to enhance the quality of education and prepare students for global competitiveness.
The project will see the establishment of one smart school in each of Abia’s 17 Local Government Areas, with the remaining three schools strategically located in the state’s three senatorial districts: Abia North, Abia South, and Abia Central. The rollout is planned in three phases, with the first nine schools expected to be operational by September or October 2025, the next phase completed by the end of 2025, and the final phase by early 2026.
Governor Otti emphasized his commitment to transforming education in Abia, ensuring that students have access to modern learning environments that foster innovation and skill development. The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Goodluck Ubochi, hailed the agreement as a milestone achievement, praising the governor’s dedication to educational advancement.
Mrs. Orieji Okwara-Emele, Managing Director of Blue Giraffe Development Ltd., expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to Abia’s educational development and pledged to deliver schools that meet international standards. This initiative complements Governor Otti’s broader Abia Fostering Innovation Reform School Transformation (AbiaFIRST) programme, which focuses on upgrading school infrastructure and embedding technology into the learning process.
The establishment of these smart schools is poised to significantly elevate the educational landscape in Abia State, providing students with the tools and environment necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world.