A civil rights organization, the Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society, (CEHRAWS), has applauded the recent signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Abia State Government and Blue Giraffe Development Ltd for the establishment of 20 smart schools across the state.
CEHRAWS in a press release signed by Okoye, Chuka Peter and made available to DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS said “this commendable initiative signals a visionary leap towards modernizing education and equipping the next generation of Abians with the tools to thrive in a digital, knowledge-based economy.”
The statement added that,
”CEHRAWS, a proud member of the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), Abia State Chapter, and as a civil rights organization working to promote inclusive development, education rights, social justice, and accountable governance, recognizes this effort as a bold step in meeting both national and international commitments to education, especially under Section 18(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which emphasizes inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
”While we commend the innovation behind the smart school project, CEHRAWS urges the Abia State Government to ensure that the program is implemented with equity, transparency, and inclusion at its core. In this regard, we strongly recommend the following:
1. Disability Inclusion and Accessibility:
All 20 smart schools must be fully inclusive and accessible to children living with disabilities (PWDs). This includes the construction of disability-friendly infrastructure like ramps, accessible toilets, assistive learning technologies, and trained special education staff, to ensure that no child is left behind. The design must align with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which mandates the integration of PWDs in all spheres of public life, especially education.
2. Transparency and Accountability:
The government should publish the terms of the agreement with Blue Giraffe Development Ltd, including project timelines, financing model, procurement details, and implementation framework. Public trust and ownership are strengthened when transparency is non-negotiable.
3. Community and Stakeholder Engagement:
The planning and execution of the smart school initiative must be community-driven. Teachers, parents, civil society organizations, and local leaders should be meaningfully engaged in consultations to ensure responsiveness to local needs and sustainability.
4. Equitable Distribution Across Rural and Urban Areas:
We call for a deliberate policy to site smart schools in both urban centers and underserved rural communities. This will bridge the widening education gap and promote balanced development.
5. Independent Monitoring and Evaluation:
CEHRAWS and other civil society actors should be empowered to serve as independent monitors of the project. Tracking impact, identifying bottlenecks, and amplifying citizen feedback are essential for achieving real value for money and measurable educational outcomes.”
The group then called on the Abia State Ministry of Education, ASUBEB, and related agencies to accompany the initiative with robust teacher capacity-building, digital curriculum development, and inclusive learning standards that promote creativity, resilience, and ethical leadership.
It concluded that “CEHRAWS reiterates its support for progressive reforms that advance the right to education for all. We remain available to partner with the government and relevant stakeholders to ensure that these smart schools are not only technologically advanced, but also socially just, inclusive, and disability-responsive.”
