Abia Smart School Project: Contractor Hails Gov. Otti’s Education Reforms Amid Media Criticism

The contractor handling the Abia Smart School Project, Mrs. Orieji Okwara Emele, has praised Governor Alex Otti’s steadfast commitment to transforming Abia State’s education sector, despite what she described as “misguided media criticism.”

Speaking to journalists on Monday during the demolition of Ogbo Model Primary School (Ogbo Central), Avo-Ipupe, Ubakala, Umuahia, Mrs. Emele — the Managing Director and CEO of Blue Giraffe Ltd — said Governor Otti remains resolute in his mission to establish world-class learning facilities comparable to those in Ghana and Rwanda.

“If you go to Ghana or Kigali, you’ll see Smart Schools in full operation. We are in the 21st century, and we are training our teachers to adopt 21st-century teaching methods,” Emele stated. “Apart from building smart facilities, we are retraining our teachers, and the training is ongoing. By the time they complete it, they will be ready to teach to global standards.”

Technology-Driven Learning for 21st-Century Classrooms

Explaining the concept behind the Smart School model, Emele said the initiative aims to revolutionise teaching and learning through technology integration, data accountability, and modern infrastructure.

Key features of the Smart Schools include:

Smart boards for interactive learning
Solar-powered green energy systems for sustainability
Security cameras to ensure a safe learning environment
Biometric systems to track teachers’ attendance and performance in real time

“The data is transmitted directly to a central dashboard at the Governor’s Office or the Ministry of Education,” she explained. “This helps monitor attendance, ensure accountability, and support data-driven decisions.”

The system, she added, would also monitor pupils’ academic performance and flag struggling learners for prompt intervention.

“If a child is falling behind in any subject, the system will alert the teacher — and even the Governor — to ensure quick support. Late coming and absenteeism will be a thing of the past because we now have the tools to track both teachers and students effectively,” Emele noted.

Otti’s Vision for Modern Education

Addressing misconceptions about the project, Mrs. Emele clarified that Governor Otti discovered the dilapidated state of many schools upon assuming office and immediately initiated a comprehensive upgrade to ensure pupils learn in safe and stimulating environments.

She dismissed viral reports and videos criticising the project as politically motivated distractions.

“Governor Alex Otti will not be distracted by fake media stories. His focus is on ensuring every Abian child receives quality education in a conducive environment,” she said. “I challenge critics to visit other states and compare what he has achieved in just two years.”

Community Involvement and Security

Also speaking, the Chairman of Blue Giraffe Ltd, Admiral Harvey Ngonadi (Rtd.), appealed to residents of the host community to safeguard the new facilities and cooperate with project staff.

“The security of equipment and personnel is vital. This is an off-grid, technology-driven system that requires collective ownership and protection,” he said.

Teachers Praise Governor Otti’s Efforts

The Headmistress of Ogbo Model Primary School, Mrs. Blessing Akanu, represented by Mrs. Okorofor Ivuoma, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for prioritising education and teachers’ welfare.

She noted that the teachers were already undergoing training to align with the Smart School framework and were eager to adopt modern teaching techniques.