The Smart School Mirage and the Rot in Abia’s Education Infrastructure.
By Uche Aguoru
When Governor Alex Otti stood before Abians in December 2024 and announced his administration’s ambitious plan to build 20 smart schools across the 17 local government areas of the state, many believed it was finally the dawn of a new era in educational infrastructure. For a government that promised hope. Unfortunately, nearly a year later, the so-called “smart school initiative” has remained just that — a promise, now fast fading into the usual political oblivion.
Rather than roll out a comprehensive plan to erect new, modern schools — as being done impressively in neighboring states like Enugu and Ebonyi — Otti’s administration opted for retrofitting existing structures, a move that many saw as a shortcut approach lacking in vision. Yet even this minimalistic promise has stalled. There are no new smart schools anywhere in the state, and the existing dilapidated blocks remain untouched, many are overrun weed, worn desks, and leaking roofs — more fitting for an abandoned asylum than centers of learning.
The question that naturally arises is: What happened to the 54 billion the government claimed it spent in building classroom blocks?
The Otti administration has claimed it spent 54 billion for the renovation and modernization of public schools — a fact clearly documented in the state’s annual appropriation bills and recurrent budgetary releases. However, a walk through schools in Aba, Umuahia, Ohafia, Ugwunagbo, Bende, Isuikwuato and indeed other LGAs in Abia shows a landscape of decay. 97% of public schools still operate in environments that are simply not fit for learning. Classrooms are without windows, roofs are caving in, and most schools still lack even the most basic sanitation facilities casting a doubt on the capacity of Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Goodluck Ubochi and the sincerity of the Alex Otti administration in developing our education sector.
Was the money embezzled? Or has the state simply failed to prioritize the children of the poor?
Governor Otti is quick to posture on social media and commission superficial projects, often hyped with glossy photography and flowery language. But behind the social media optics lies a government increasingly being accused of insincerity and a lack of tangible results. If truly the administration had good intentions for the smart school project, why has not a single one been delivered — not even in his hometown?
Many blame the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Goodluck Ubochi, for the abysmal implementation. Accusations of incompetence, and allegedly self-interest, and sabotage.
But even if he were a weak link, ultimate responsibility rests with the Governor. If Alex Otti truly intended to see this project through, if he had demonstrated the political will and the urgency he applies to other interests, the smart school project would not be in limbo.
This is especially damning considering the enormous funds that have accrued to Abia State in the last two years — over ₦900 billion in federal allocations, IGR, and grants. What tangible impact has that had on the lives of ordinary Abians? Where is the empathy for the school children learning in rain-soaked classrooms? How does a government justify such waste when the most basic investment — education — remains in ruins?
A responsible administration prioritizes education because it is the bedrock of sustainable development. But under Governor Otti’s watch, we are witnessing a systematic neglect of educational infrastructure. While our neighboring states like Enugu are building the future, Abia continues to patch the past — and not even well.
While Enugu, Ebonyi and many other states have moved into the future prioritizing the smart school program, the Alex Otti administration is, sadly, laying the foundation for failure in the educational sector.
Aguoru
Is a Public Affairs Analyst
About the Author
