The Anambra State Government has launched the Smart Learn Anambra initiative, a bold move aimed at digitizing learning across the state and promoting a technology-driven, knowledge-based economy.
According to the state’s Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, the initiative reflects Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to repositioning education through innovation and technology. She disclosed this during a strategic meeting with president generals from various communities in the state.
The meeting focused on fostering community participation in the implementation of the Smart Learn Anambra project—a flagship initiative under Soludo’s administration. Community leaders provided updates on the ongoing construction of Smart Schools in their areas, celebrating milestones while identifying challenges requiring urgent attention.
Concerns were also raised over existing educational infrastructure, with participants emphasizing the need to upgrade facilities to match the demands of 21st-century learning. A key part of the dialogue centered on collaborative security arrangements to protect the digital tools and equipment being deployed, ensuring their longevity and effective use.
Prof. Chuma-Udeh described the initiative as a transformative shift in Anambra’s education sector. “We are reimagining our schools as centers of technological innovation and excellence,” she said.
Key components of the Smart Learn project include:
Upgraded school infrastructure
Solar power systems for constant electricity supply
Installation of Android TV screens and tablets
Reliable internet connectivity
Access to e-learning tools
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, highlighted the introduction of a “Train the Trainer” program. The initiative aims to create a sustainable structure for teacher development, empowering educators to transfer digital knowledge among peers and widen the reach of digital literacy.
She urged the selected teacher-ambassadors to embrace the smart learning model in their community schools, affirming the administration’s goal of ensuring public school students receive quality education comparable to their private school counterparts.
The CEO of Edves, Dimeji Falana, conducted training sessions on using the Smart Schools Portal, setting up teacher accounts, and integrating digital tools into classroom activities. He noted that additional training sessions would be held online over the next three weeks to reinforce learning.
Chairman of the Post Primary Schools Service Commission, Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu, encouraged teachers to approach the program with openness, stressing the life-changing impact of adopting digital teaching methods.
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), Managing Director of the Anambra State ICT Agency, applauded Governor Soludo for his visionary leadership and steadfast support for educational development in the state.
Participating schools included:
Girls Secondary School, Igboukwu
Urban Girls Secondary School, Fegge Onitsha
Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka
Government Technical College, Ihiala
Ado Girls School, Onitsha
Community Secondary School, Amansea
Nnewi High School
Union Secondary School, Obosi
(and others across the state)
The Smart Learn Anambra project marks a significant step in bridging the digital divide in education and positioning the state as a hub for smart learning in Nigeria.
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