By Angela Nwanodu
The Anambra State Government, under the visionary leadership of Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, is spearheading a landmark transformation of public education through the Smart Learn Anambra initiative—a flagship program designed to position Anambra as a model for smart education in Nigeria and beyond.
The initiative, which is currently being piloted in 22 secondary schools across the state, is a multi-phased educational revolution that integrates cutting-edge technology, infrastructure upgrades, and stakeholder-driven governance to bridge the digital divide and raise globally competitive students.
Engaging the Frontlines: Principals and Educators
The Smart Learn journey began with high-level engagement involving principals of the 22 pilot schools.
The State Government, represented by top officials including Hon. Chiamaka Nnake (Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning), Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh (Commissioner for Education), Prof. Nkechi Ikediegwu (Chairman, Post Primary Schools Service Commission), and Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA (Managing Director, Anambra State ICT Agency), met with school leaders to align on expectations, implementation roadmaps, and shared responsibilities.
Mrs. Nnake emphasized that “what we’re witnessing is not just a project announcement but the beginning of an educational movement,” reiterating Mr. Governor’s goal is to make Anambra schools centers of technological excellence.
The MD of the ICT Agency, CFA, outlined key components of the initiative—from solar-powered infrastructure and e-learning tools to digital management systems and security architecture—all geared toward fostering innovation and future-ready learning.
Securing Community Buy-in: The President Generals Step In
Recognizing the need for community ownership, the government held a follow-up engagement with President Generals of host communities for the pilot schools.
The meeting, held on March 7, 2025, aimed to mobilize grassroots support and ensure the security and sustainability of the initiative’s billion-naira investments.
Community leaders welcomed the initiative, applauding Governor Soludo for prioritizing early tech exposure for children.
They pledged to sensitize their communities, safeguard school facilities, and collaborate with school administrators to foster an environment where smart learning can thrive.
Building Capacity: ‘Train the Trainer’ Workshop for Teachers
On March 26, 2025, the State Government, in collaboration with Edves—a leading school management software provider—organized a “Train the Trainer” workshop to empower educators with digital teaching skills. The workshop trained selected teachers from each pilot school on how to navigate the Smart School portal, manage e-learning platforms, and cascade knowledge to their peers.
The initiative also introduced continuous virtual training sessions to ensure ongoing capacity development.
Speaking at the event, CFA thanked Mr. Governor for enabling such a forward-thinking initiative and emphasized that the true strength of the program lies in the digital empowerment of teachers and students alike.
A Holistic Vision for Education
Across all phases—principal engagement, community mobilization, and teacher training—the Smart Learn Anambra initiative reflects a unified, inclusive, and sustainable approach to educational transformation.
From solar-powered classrooms and internet-enabled tablets to enhanced ICT curricula and STEM labs, the project is laying a foundation for a tech-driven educational ecosystem where students are not just consumers of information but creators, innovators, and future leaders.
In the words of Prof. Chuma-Udeh, “This is a fundamental shift in how education is delivered in Anambra State.”
Indeed, Smart Learn Anambra is more than an initiative—it is a movement toward an enlightened, equitable, and future-proof education system.
Stay connected! Follow @smartlearnanambra on all social media platforms.
