The first fully digitized public Secondary school in Abia State has been inaugurated by Governor Alex Otti.
The historic project facilitated by the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia federal Constituency Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa has Ofali Akwu Secondary School, Ohafia as the lucky beneficiary.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor, Otti said his vision as a Leader is to record zero out of School Children in the State, pointing out that his administration has rolled out free and compulsory education at the primary and Junior secondary levels.
According to him, his administration is also considering extending the policy to the senior secondary level as soon as the state’s economy improves.
He therefore urged parents and Guardians to take advantage of the new policy to send their wards to school, warning that from January 2025 it will be a punishable offence for any parent or Guardian who’s ward is seen hawking goods on the streets during school hours.
“I hope the parents are taking note, we have given you people some months of grace from January next year if we see a child hawking during school hours running errands and selling wares ,we are going to pick up that child not because we want to arrest him but we will pick him up and he will take us to his or her parents ,” Governor Otti warned.
The Governor while thanking Chief Okwara Osonwa for facilitating the project and seeing to its completion in record time, assured that it would be replicated to serve as a standard in all public schools across the State.
He made it clear that his unquenchable taste for quality education led to the allocation of 20 % of the 2024 Budget to the education sector, assuring that 2025 fiscal year will not fall short of acceptable standard.
Addressing the people, the Member Representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa described the project as a bold step towards transforming Education in Abia State, adding that it aligns with the Governor’s vision in preparing Abia children for the demands of a technologically advanced world.
The Federal lawmaker disclosed that the facility replaces traditional chalkboards and marker boards with state-of-the-art, interactive digital screens equipped with cameras as well as digital screens that capture classroom activities and allow students to revisit lessons at any time, while also enabling remote participation for learners outside the school premises.
He emphasized the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, pointing out that his aim is to ensure that the children are equipped with the basics available globally to enable them compete confidently with their peers anywhere in the world.
In his speech, the representative of the various Development partners Mr Olayomi Gbolahan said they happy to be part of history aimed at bringing the state in tune with the 21st century teaching and learning demands, adding that the facility is equipped with full ICT facilities,24 hours Solar powered, CCTV cameras and can be used for other purpose such as Youth empowerment, women digital training and skills acquisition Centre.
The benefitting School Ofali Akwu Secondary School through one of its students Blessing thanked Governor Otti’s administration and the facilitator Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa for the massive transformation and called for perimeter fencing of the School to safeguard lives and the facility.
