Korede Abdullah 
Governor Alex Otti at the commissioning
UMUAHIA, Nigeria – Ogbor Central Smart School has been inaugurated by Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who warns teachers and school administrators against extorting pupils or parents, saying offenders will face severe disciplinary action.
Speaking on Tuesday during the commissioning of the Ogbor Central Smart School in Ubakala, Umuahia South Local Government Area, Otti says his administration will not tolerate corruption in public schools, particularly in the state’s Smart School programme.
“No form of extortion, whether of pupils or their parents, shall be allowed in any of our schools, especially the smart schools. Anyone who runs afoul of our zero-extortion and zero-corruption policy will face tough disciplinary action,” the governor says.
Otti also urges community leaders, parents and residents to protect the newly commissioned facility from vandalism and ensure proper maintenance of government infrastructure.
According to the governor, similar Smart Schools will be established in all 17 local government areas to expand access to quality education.
Otti further calls for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments in improving education, warning that governments that neglect the sector risk falling behind in national development.
Also speaking, Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa commends the Abia State Government for prioritising education through sustained investments in digital learning infrastructure.
Alausa says Smart Schools will equip Nigerian children with the digital and technological skills needed to compete in a rapidly changing global economy.
He adds that aligning Nigeria’s education system with emerging technologies remains critical to preparing young people for future jobs and driving economic growth.
The commissioning forms part of Abia State’s ongoing education reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes through technology, modern infrastructure and teacher development.
About the Author
Oluwatobi Adu 
Hussaini Ibrahim 
