ABSG Completes Renovation Of 9 Schools, Trains 100 Teachers On Smart School Operations

The Abia State Government has completed the renovation of nine public schools across the state as part of its ongoing efforts to transform the education sector.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing at the Government House, Umuahia, following this week’s meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC) presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

According to Prince Kanu, renovation work is ongoing in 54 other schools, all at various stages of completion. He noted that the project aligns with the government’s vision to modernize learning environments across Abia’s 17 local government areas.

The completed schools include Nkata Community Primary School, Ibeku High School, and Ohuhu Community Secondary School, Amaogugu, all in Umuahia North LGA; Migrant Farmers Primary School, Osisioma; Umuagbai Secondary School, Aba; Abayi Nchokoro Primary School, Ugwunagbo; Owerre Aba Primary School, Ugwunagbo; Omoba Central Model Primary School, Isiala Ngwa LGA; and Abiriba Nmaju Memorial Primary School, Ohafia LGA.

The Commissioner further revealed that work is progressing at three designated smart school sites—Ogbo Primary School, Ubakala, Umuahia South LGA; Umuomaikwu Primary School, Isiala Ngwa North LGA; and Umuagbai Secondary School, Aba South LGA.

He announced that 100 teachers are currently undergoing a three-week intensive training program on smart school operations, designed to prepare them for the effective use of digital learning technologies. “This is a strategic step to ensure our teachers are well equipped for the demands of 21st-century education,” he stated, noting that the training is now in its second week.

Prince Kanu also disclosed that the posting of newly recruited teachers will be completed within the week, explaining that the slight delay was to allow for proper deployment based on expertise and need.

On infrastructure, the Information Commissioner said construction activities will intensify across the state as the rains subside. He reported that work is ongoing on 32 contract road projects and 55 direct-labour sites under the government’s Zero Pothole Initiative.

So far, 12 direct-labour roads have been completed, including St. Michael’s Drive, Government Layout, Ehimiri; Justice Okoroafor Close; Ozouma Spur through Corpers Lodge off Aba Road, Afara; and the Umunkpeyi–Eziala–Umuru Nvosi Road in Isiala Ngwa South LGA (8km).

He added that the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) is handling two major road projects—Aba Ring Road (Umuaduru to Okpulor Umuobu) and 7Up–Okpulor Umuobu Road—alongside six others being executed through direct labour, including Elizabeth Avenue, Imo Avenue, Sacred Heart Street, Ihuoma Street, Afor Ule to Okpulor Umuobu Road, and Ozuomba Road.

Prince Kanu further disclosed that the Ovom Street Erosion Control Project is nearing completion and is being constructed with rigid pavement technology expected to last over 50 years.

He announced that Governor Alex Otti will on Friday flag off the reconstruction of the 25km Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road and the 13.1km Ariam–Usaka Road in Ikwuano LGA.

Highlighting the government’s ongoing urban renewal drive in Aba, Prince Kanu said construction of the Eziama Pedestrian Bridge opposite Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic is underway to enhance traffic flow and strengthen Aba’s role as a major commercial hub.

He also confirmed that work on the Enyimba Hotel project—a 120-room facility to be managed by the international hospitality brand Radisson Blu—is progressing steadily and will soon be officially commissioned by Governor Otti.

The press briefing was attended by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, and the Director-General of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Architect Uche Ukeje.