Abia State Launches Digital Education Revolution, Signs Contract for 20 Smart Schools Across LGAs
In a bold and visionary move to revolutionize public education, the Abia State Government has signed a contract for the construction of 20 ultra-modern Smart Schools across the state—signaling a digital transformation that will redefine how students learn and how schools are secured.
The signing ceremony, held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, in Umuahia, was led by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Goodluck Chinedu Ubochi, on behalf of the state government. The contract was awarded to Blue Giraffe Development Limited, whose representatives, including Chairman Rear Admiral Harry Ngonadi (Rtd.), Managing Director Orieji Okwara-Emele, and Project Manager Nnamdi Ogbuagu, were present to affirm their commitment to timely delivery and quality execution.
This marks the first phase of Governor Alex Otti’s Smart School initiative, a cornerstone of his administration’s education reform agenda designed to:
- Digitally empower students
- Bridge the digital divide
- Modernize the state’s educational infrastructure
- Secure educational investments against vandalism and theft
According to Mr. Ubochi, the schools will be evenly distributed across all 17 LGAs, with three additional pilot Smart Schools—one in each senatorial district—to ensure equity and inclusiveness.
“This isn’t just infrastructure—it’s a digital education revolution. Every child, regardless of background, deserves to be part of the future,” Ubochi said.
Each Smart School will be equipped with:
- Smart Boards to replace chalkboards
- Digital registration and attendance systems
- High-definition CCTV surveillance systems
- Abia State Homeland Security personnel on permanent deployment
In his remarks, Mr. Kenechukwu Nwosu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, issued a firm warning against any attempts to damage or vandalize the new facilities, declaring zero tolerance for sabotage.
“These Smart Schools are not white elephant projects. They’re the future of education in Abia, and they will be protected with full force,” Nwosu stated.
Mrs. Orieji Okwara-Emele, MD of Blue Giraffe, emphasized that the era of analog education is over in Abia.
“We’re not just building classrooms. We’re building future-ready learning environments that match global standards.”
The project will also feature free enrollment for all students and fully digitized student data management, according to Mr. Onyinye Nwosu, State Director of the Project Implementation Bureau. He described the initiative as a “new dawn in Abia’s educational journey.”
Witnessed by top government officials, Homeland Security personnel, and the full Blue Giraffe team, the contract signing is more than ceremonial—it marks a real shift in policy, planning, and purpose.
With this move, Abia State becomes one of the first in Nigeria to fully integrate digital learning with built-in security infrastructure, setting a national benchmark for innovation, inclusion, and educational excellence.
