Emma Elekwa
Anambra state government has identified growing interest and soaring population as major challenges facing the smart schools in the state.
Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh who disclosed this in an exclusive chat with Core Truth Online said a total of 22 smart schools have successfully been completed in the first phase.
She however said Governor Chukwuma Soludo is addressing the challenge through building of new infrastructures to meet up with the population demands.
She said, “I don’t think there’s anything in this world without disadvantages. Even the food we eat and water we drink have their disadvantages.
“We’re experiencing some teething problems. The major one is over-subscribing. Every parent wants their children to benefit from this smart schools’ initiative.
“This has led to flooding of students into the smart schools. So, there’s overpopulation even as we try to contain them.
“Moreover, Mr governor in his education loving spirit is also building new infrastructure to meet up with the demands.
Security concerns
He Commissioner also spoke on how concerns around security are being handled. “Since the schools are handed over to the towns where they’re located, the PGs, the monarchs and the locals have the duty to protect what have been installed in their locality. If any misses, they pay.
Reacting on sustainability plans on the smart schools, Chuma-Udeh said the governor has set pace for future development in the state, which she hoped successive governments would build on.
“Education is a continuum. The schools we inherited were not pulled down. Any well-meaning government that can’t sustain such initiative is not worthy to be called a government.
“This move is progressive revolution handed down for the benefit of the children. The governor has set a pace for future development in the state. Any incoming governor will have to build on what the governor has done,” she added.
