EDUCATION MINISTER INAGURATES SMART SCHOOL IN ABIA STATE.

The Abia statewide Smart School initiative aimed at transforming investment in human capital to technology-driven education and future economic growth has been inaugurated in the state.

Speaking during the inauguration at Ogbor Central School in Umuahia South Local government Area in the state, the Minister of Education, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, applauded the decision of the state government to establishong Smart Schools across the 17 council areas of the state was evidence of a government’s commitment to preparing children for future leadership.

According to the Minister the present administration in the state is pursuing a forward-looking vision centred on human capital development and described Governor Otti as a leader investing in the future through quality education and infrastructural development.

Dr Alausa who reeled out the benefits of the Smart Schools said the facilities would pave ways for world-class digital learning resources to the pupils and early exposure to Artificial Intelligence (AI) as well as digital technology among others.

Earlier, Governor Alex Otti, explained that the Smart School initiative formed part of his administration’s strategy to transform human capital into the engine of economic growth.

The Governor noted that each Smart School would accommodate 300 pupils, support every Pupil with a tablet , stressing that the Ogbor Smart facility is equipped with interactive digital learning tools, predictive security systems, sick bay and specially trained teachers.

He said the goal was to produce innovators, entrepreneurs and future leaders with equal opportunities capable of competing globally rather than producing unemployable graduates.

The governor while declaring a zero-tolerance policy against extortion in schools, warned against vandalism of public school facilities and urged parents and community leaders to support the initiative by promoting discipline and good values among children.

Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Goodluck Ubochi, said the initiative was designed to guarantee every child, irrespective of background or location, access to world-class education.

Also, the Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Mrs Lydia Onuoha, explained that the state had enrolled about 375 pupils at the facility and would deploy the Federal Government’s newly launched digital learning resources to maximise learning outcomes.

In his goodwill message, the President-General of the Ubakala Clan Development Union, Elder Godwin Mbonu, expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for extending the Smart School initiative to their community and gave the Governor his community’s assurance of protecting the priceless facility in their domain.

Correspondent reports that the Smart School Project executed by the administration of Governor Otti, across the state’s 17 instructional tools, tablets for pupils, specially trained teachers, modern security systems, sick bays and eco-friendly learning environments is designed to prepare children for the demands of the digital age.