The Anambra State Government said plans are underway to upgrade 29 public schools in the state into ‘smart schools’ for an efficient and technology-driven education system.

The state Commissioner for Education, Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Awka.

She described ‘smart school’ as an educational institution that integrated advanced technology and innovative tools to enhance classroom learning and teaching.

She said, “Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration is prioritising the education sector by establishing a robust educational system for public schools in the state. Plans are underway, under the first phase of the state government’s education reform, to upgrade 29 public schools to ‘smart schools’ with subsequent phases targeting more schools across the state. This will make education more engaging, efficient, and aligned with the demands of the modern world. It will also prepare students to adapt to a technology-driven environment and foster critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.’’

The commissioner highlighted the employment of 8,150 teachers, the free education policy from nursery to senior secondary level, and the rehabilitation of public schools as some of the significant strides recorded to improve the education sector.

She said that the Soludo-led administration was also committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative, and child-focused educational environment that would leave no child behind.

“The state government pays the school fees of every child in public school to ensure that no child in Anambra State is denied access to quality education. Through a comprehensive quality assurance mechanism, the state government monitors and ensures that private schools adhere to state-approved curriculum,” she said.

Ms Chuma-Udeh said the official closing times for primary and secondary schools were 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., respectively.

According to her, if parents choose to enrol their child in private lessons or extracurricular activities outside the official school hours, it is entirely their decision. 

(NAN)