The Abia State Government has commenced the conversion of Ogbo Model Primary School, located in Avo-Ipupe, Ubakala, Umuahia South Local Government Area, into a state-of-the-art smart school.
Demolition of the existing school structures began on Monday morning with the arrival of earth-moving equipment at the site. In the interim, the school management has relocated to a nearby community hall to continue academic activities.
Speaking during the site inspection, the Chairman of Blue Giraffe Development Limited, Admiral Havvy Nganodi (Rtd), revealed that the project is expected to deliver a brand-new smart school building within the next two months.
Admiral Nganodi called for maximum cooperation from the state government, school authorities, and the host community. He emphasized the importance of securing both the project site and the workers who will be on-site around the clock. He also encouraged the local community to actively participate and engage with the ongoing development.
The Managing Director/CEO of Blue Giraffe Development Limited, Mrs. Orieji Okwara Emele, outlined the innovative features of the upcoming smart school. According to her, the school will operate entirely off-grid, integrating solar-powered green energy systems, smart boards, surveillance cameras, biometric attendance systems, and digital learning tools like tablets for both teachers and students.
Mrs. Emele highlighted that Abia State is embracing a modern educational approach aligned with global standards.
She noted that countries like Ghana and Rwanda have already adopted similar smart school models and that Abia is set to join that league.
“We are training teachers who now understand that the traditional way of teaching is obsolete.
The 21st-century approach to teaching, through modern pedagogy, is what we are adopting. Our teachers are undergoing intensive training to use smart boards, handle biometric systems, and teach students using modern digital tools,” she said.
She also revealed that the biometric attendance system will be connected to a centralized dashboard accessible to Governor Alex Otti, the State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), and the Ministry of Education.
This system will enable real-time monitoring of teacher and student attendance and performance.
“With this technology, no teacher can claim to be in school when they are not. Once a teacher logs in through biometrics, it reflects on the dashboard, even in the Governor’s office, no matter where he is in the world,” she explained.
Mrs. Emele stressed that the system would also help track students’ academic progress and hold teachers accountable, ensuring improved educational outcomes across the state.
She urged Abians to personally verify the progress being made in education and other sectors, rather than relying on hearsay. According to her, many schools across the state are currently undergoing similar upgrades.
Praising Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for his commitment to transforming the state, she remarked: “In just two years, the difference is clear. We are not being political—just look around and see for yourselves. The Governor remains focused and undistracted in delivering on his promises.”
Responding, the head teacher of the school, Mrs Blessing Akanu who spoke through her assistance Mrs Ivuoma Okoroafor said they are lucky that their school was selected to be among others to benefit from smart schools.
They thanked Governor Alex Otti for his vision to reposition Abia education especially upgrading many schools to smart schools.
