LAGOS – The African Action Congress (AAC), Abia State chapter, has called for financial transparency over the Ofali Agwu Digital Smart School, facilitated by Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa, the Member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency.
The party said it was compelled to address issues relating to the commissioning of the Smart School on November 28, 2024, in view of the limited resources allocated to the project.
It noted that Governor Alex Otti commissioned the Digital Smart School, when as a constituency project, the Digital Smart School lacked basic ICT gadgets.
AAC said: “While we acknowledge the government’s efforts to enhance educational infrastructure, we find it necessary to seek transparency regarding the financial aspects of this project, particularly given the limited resources allocated to it.”
Comrade Ezumaibe Kelechiukwu, AAC’s State Chairman, in a statement made available to Sunday Independent, expressed surprise that a Smart School was commissioned with only one smart television.
The party lamented that there was no Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and other required gadgets, a development which, it stressed, raised significant concerns about the true cost of the initiative.
The AAC stated: “We demand a comprehensive breakdown of the expenses involved in the establishment of this facility.
“It is crucial for the public to understand how public funds are being utilised, especially in the education sector, which directly impacts the future of our children.”
The party urged the relevant authorities to provide clarity on the total cost of the Smart School project, the justification for the allocation of resources, particularly the decision to equip the school with only one smart television with no other ICT gadgets.
It also asked for plans to ensure that the educational needs of the state’s students are adequately met through this initiative.
It stated: “The citizens of Abia State deserve accountability and transparency from their government.
“We call on all media houses to support this demand for clarity and to hold the authorities accountable for the educational welfare of our youth.
“We look forward to a prompt response and will continue to advocate for the interests of the people of Abia State.”
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