Inauguration of Smart School Ubakala Silences Critics – Abia Govt

The Abia State Government says the successful commissioning of its flagship Smart School has put to rest the criticisms that trailed the project.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, who stated this at Government House Umuahia, after this week’s State Executive Council meeting, unveiled fresh initiatives aimed at boosting education, industrial development, housing and road infrastructure across the state.

According to Kanu, the commissioning attracted widespread media attention, the government considered it necessary to provide more insight into the project in view of the debates it had generated.

“The Smart School generated a lot of controversy before it was commissioned, but what people saw yesterday has answered many of those questions.

“The project now speaks for itself, and more Smart Schools will soon be ready for commissioning,” he said.

Kanu described the facility as one of the flagship projects under the Federal Government’s Smart School Initiative, explaining that an old public primary school had been transformed into a modern digital learning centre for about 390 pupils in nursery and basic education.

The school is equipped with 13 digital classrooms, an ICT laboratory, a library, a teachers’ resource centre and administrative offices.

He said one of the most remarkable features of the project is that every pupil from Primary One to Primary Six has been provided with a personal tablet to support learning throughout their time in the school.

“Every child has an individual tablet. That is one of the major highlights of this project because it gives every pupil equal access to digital learning,” he said.

According to him, the school also operates with smart learning technology, powered entirely by a solar energy system, while modern safety features such as fire protection equipment, disability-friendly facilities, a sick bay and a robust security system have been integrated into the design.

Kanu also announced that the Enyimba Automated Shoe Company and the Enyimba Garment Factory have returned to active production after years of inactivity.

He attributed the turnaround to reforms introduced by the present administration, saying both factories have resumed manufacturing through improved management and strategic planning.

“Today, both factories have become active production centres.

“Five production lines have already been established, and new product brands have been developed to compete in both local and international markets,” he said.

He added that the revival of the industries reflects Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to creating jobs, encouraging local manufacturing and strengthening the state’s economy.

On housing, Kanu disclosed that the government’s Pocket Layout Housing Estate Project is set to commence, with the evaluation of bids submitted by contractors already completed.

He said successful contractors would be announced within one week.

The project covers both the former Civil Service Commission area and the old Abia Hotel site.

While the Civil Service Commission axis has already been cleared for construction, he said work is progressing at the old Abia Hotel location, which is expected to be ready for allocation within the next two weeks.

He noted that site work would begin ahead of the official groundbreaking ceremony.

The state government also announced immediate repairs on the flood-prone section of the Obehie–Azumini Road near the mechanic village to improve movement during the rainy season.

Although the road belongs to the Federal Government, the Commissioner said Gov. Otti had directed the Ministry of Works to carry out temporary maintenance to ease the hardship faced by motorists.

“The Governor believes that whether a road is federal or state-owned, what matters most is that it is used by Abia people.

“This intervention is intended to provide immediate relief while discussions continue with the Federal Government on a permanent solution,” he said.

The Commissioner said the decisions taken at the EXCO meeting reflect the administration’s determination to sustain development across key sectors and improve the quality of life for residents of the state.