Governor Alex Otti of AbIa State has reiterated that his administration’s Smart Schools initiative, is aimed at laying strong foundation for a future-ready workforce, by equipping children with digital skills and knowledge required to compete in the global economy.
Governor Otti, while commissioning Umuomaiukwu Smart School, in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area (LGA) Wednesday, reaffirmed his administration’s determination to reposition education, as the foundation of long-term economic growth
The governor said that the facility, which is the second of the 20 Smart Schools under construction across the 17 LGAs of the State, reflected a deliberate investment in human capital, rather than physical infrastructure alone.
He said that the initiative was intended to transform the learning experience, by replacing traditional rote learning with technology-driven, experiential education, capable of nurturing innovation, creativity and critical thinking among young learners.
According to the governor, the Smart School model is a key component of his administration’s long-term vision of preparing young people for a knowledge-based economy.
“The Abia Smart Schools idea is unique for a number of reasons. First, it is structured to drive the transition from rote learning to experiential learning for the pupils.
“Second, the entire ecosystem, from the classrooms to the general environment, quality of teachers and facilities, is set up to inspire the pupils to dream and aspire to do great things over the course of their lives.
“The remainder of the year will be quite busy, as we open the new schools to expand the front lines of learning for about 6,000 pupils residing in different urban and rural communities across the state”, the governor said.
Governor Otti described the education sector, as Abia’s foremost industry, because of its capacity to unlock human potential and drive sustainable development, stressing that his administration has continued to prioritise strategic investments in education and other critical sectors of the economy.
Okey Ndibe, a Professor, who was a special guest at the event, commended Otti’s investment in education, describing the Smart School initiative, as a foundation for sustainable development in a knowledge-driven economy.
“Wherever I’ve been, I encounter Nigerians from different parts of the country, who speak glowingly about the pace-setting governorship that Governor Otti has introduced in this state”, Ndibe said.
Goodluck Ubochi, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, affirmed the commitment of Abia State Government to transform the State’s education sector, through sustained investment in Smart Schools and technology-driven learning to equip children with skills for the future.
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