Abia State Signs Contract for 20 Smart Schools, Deploys Homeland Security to Secure Facilities

The Abia State Government through the office of the Hon.Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr.Goodluck Chinedu Ubochi, on Saturday, July 12, 2025, signed a contract agreement with Blue Giraffe Development Limited to construct 20 Smart Schools across the state, while announcing the deployment of Homeland Security personnel to safeguard the facilities from vandalism and theft.

The signing ceremony, which was held in Umuahia, marks the official launch of the first phase of Governor Alex Otti’s Smart School initiative, aimed at digitally empowering students and modernising the state’s education system.
Mr. Ubochi, who signed on behalf of the state, disclosed that the 20 schools will be strategically located across all 17 local government areas (LGAs), with three additional schools, one in each of the senatorial zones, to ensure equity and accessibility.

“This initiative is not only about infrastructure but a revolution in how learning happens. Abia students must be able to compete globally, and that begins with access to quality digital education,” Ubochi said.

He emphasised that no child will be denied access, regardless of economic status, stressing that enrollment and teaching will be free and inclusive. “Whether a child comes from a rich or poor home, they will receive equal treatment and opportunities in these schools,” he added.

To protect the schools, the education boss revealed that Abia State Homeland Security will be permanently stationed at each school, which will house advanced learning technology, including Smart Boards, digital registration systems, and surveillance equipment.

Also speaking, Mr. Kenechukwu Nwosu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, echoed this commitment to safety. He warned that any attempt to damage or steal from the facilities would result in immediate prosecution, adding that CCTV cameras will be installed to monitor all activities within the premises.

“These Smart Schools are not temporary projects or white elephant schemes. They represent the digital future of Abia education, and we will not compromise their integrity,” Nwosu stated.

Rear Admiral Harry Ngonadi (Rtd.), Chairman of Blue Giraffe Development Limited with
Mrs. Orieji Okwara-Emele, Managing Director of Blue Giraffe Development Ltd, joined by Project Manager Nnamdi Ogbuagu, said the Smart Schools would eliminate outdated teaching tools and replace them with interactive digital systems.

“We are phasing out chalk and analogue tools. Teachers in these 20 pilot schools will now use Smart Boards, and more schools will follow,” Emele said.
Contributing, Mr Onyinye Nwosu, State Director Project Implementation Bureau, described the project as a “new dawn in Abia State’s educational journey.”

This development reflects a major policy shift in Abia State’s educational vision, from chalkboards to Smart Boards, from exclusion to equity, and from vulnerability to secure, future-proof learning environments. By investing in digital education and prioritising security, Abia is positioning itself as a leader in Nigeria’s educational transformation.

Mr Onyinye described the event as a new dawn in Abia and noted that student registration processes will be digitised, with enrollment free for all pupils.

This, he said, is part of a broader effort to align Abia’s education system with global standards and to make students more competitive in major examinations and technological pursuits.
The Contract agreement attracted the presence of the Homeland Security Agents and other members of Blue Giraffe Development Limited.

Duru Marvellous S.
Head of Information Unit
Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.