Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, alongside renowned writer, University Don and Poet, Prof. Okey Ndibe, on Tuesday, July 22, 2026, commissioned the second Smart School at Umuomaiukwu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of the State.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Otti tasked the pupils on hard work and diligence, stressing that with the Smart School in place, they have every facility needed to excel.
“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,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor described the Smart School initiative as a strategic investment in the future of Abia children. He noted 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 outstanding academic performance would be rewarded with local and international scholarship opportunities and other incentives. The State Chief Executive added that his administration remains committed to recognising and rewarding excellence.
Governor Otti warned against vandalisation of public school facilities, declaring that anyone found tampering with government property would face the full weight of the law.
He disclosed that the Smart School is equipped with 24-hour internet connectivity and CCTV surveillance to ensure the security of the facility.
The Governor reiterated that education remains the State’s foremost investment, expressing confidence that the Smart School initiative would nurture a generation of innovators 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 education.
He described the Governor as a man with a long-standing record of excellence, tracing his outstanding academic achievements and distinguished banking career to his emergence as Governor. He noted that Governor Otti has demonstrated the qualities of a true leader and good stewardship to the people and State.
Prof. Ndibe emphasized that investment in education remains the most valuable investment any society can make. He applauded the Governor’s efforts in building a better future for the State through quality education and human capital development, and urged Abians to sustain the current pace of development by supporting purposeful leadership.
In their speeches, 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. They described the Smart School initiative as a transformative investment that will enhance learning outcomes and prepare Abia children for global competitiveness.
They assured the Governor that the people of Nsulu and the entire Isiala Ngwa North would reward his good works with overwhelming votes in 2027.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, described the project as another milestone in the State’s education transformation agenda.
Elder Ubochi said the Smart School initiative reflects Governor Otti’s vision of repositioning education through innovation, digital technology and sustainable learning infrastructure. He noted that the Smart School 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 stated that it is designed to provide inclusive, technology-driven learning while ensuring sustainability through effective maintenance and community ownership.
Mrs. Onuoha added that the school has a special room for girls to provide them the needed privacy to take care of themselves during menstruation.
In her goodwill message, the Managing Director of Blue Giraffe, Chief Mrs. Orieji Okwara-Emele, said the Umuomaiukwu Smart School is built to accommodate more than 300 pupils and is fully internet compliant.
She appreciated the Governor for seeing what a privately built smart school looks like when he commissioned one, and for deciding to replicate the model across the State.
The event was attended by senior officials of the Government, Traditional Rulers, the clergy and the highly elated members of the community.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State
July 22, 2026. WORK.
Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, alongside renowned writer, University Don and Poet, Prof. Okey Ndibe, on Tuesday, July 22, 2026, commissioned the second Smart School at Umuomaiukwu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of the State.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Otti tasked the pupils on hard work and diligence, stressing that with the Smart School in place, they have every facility needed to excel.
“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,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor described the Smart School initiative as a strategic investment in the future of Abia children. He noted 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 outstanding academic performance would be rewarded with local and international scholarship opportunities and other incentives. The State Chief Executive added that his administration remains committed to recognising and rewarding excellence.
Governor Otti warned against vandalisation of public school facilities, declaring that anyone found tampering with government property would face the full weight of the law.
He disclosed that the Smart School is equipped with 24-hour internet connectivity and CCTV surveillance to ensure the security of the facility.
The Governor reiterated that education remains the State’s foremost investment, expressing confidence that the Smart School initiative would nurture a generation of innovators 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 education.
He described the Governor as a man with a long-standing record of excellence, tracing his outstanding academic achievements and distinguished banking career to his emergence as Governor. He noted that Governor Otti has demonstrated the qualities of a true leader and good stewardship to the people and State.
Prof. Ndibe emphasized that investment in education remains the most valuable investment any society can make. He applauded the Governor’s efforts in building a better future for the State through quality education and human capital development, and urged Abians to sustain the current pace of development by supporting purposeful leadership.
In their speeches, 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. They described the Smart School initiative as a transformative investment that will enhance learning outcomes and prepare Abia children for global competitiveness.
They assured the Governor that the people of Nsulu and the entire Isiala Ngwa North would reward his good works with overwhelming votes in 2027.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, described the project as another milestone in the State’s education transformation agenda.
Elder Ubochi said the Smart School initiative reflects Governor Otti’s vision of repositioning education through innovation, digital technology and sustainable learning infrastructure. He noted that the Smart School 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 stated that it is designed to provide inclusive, technology-driven learning while ensuring sustainability through effective maintenance and community ownership.
Mrs. Onuoha added that the school has a special room for girls to provide them the needed privacy to take care of themselves during menstruation.
In her goodwill message, the Managing Director of Blue Giraffe, Chief Mrs. Orieji Okwara-Emele, said the Umuomaiukwu Smart School is built to accommodate more than 300 pupils and is fully internet compliant.
She appreciated the Governor for seeing what a privately built smart school looks like when he commissioned one, and for deciding to replicate the model across the State.
The event was attended by senior officials of the Government, Traditional Rulers, the clergy and the highly elated members of the community.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State
