INVESTIGATION: In Enugu, Smart Schools get all the attention, but concerns remain over quality of work, delivery timeline (Part II)

The second part of this story focuses on the new smart schools, raising questions about the quality and integrity of the projects, and the competence of the contractors handling them, following stories of collapses across the state. CHIKIOKE ARINZE reports

 “Do you know the embarrassment this thing has caused the government? I gave you an instruction to remove all the sheets. What have you been doing? Show me the ones you have removed.”

A visibly angry young man (said to be close to power in Enugu State) speaks to a group of three men inside the Smart Green School at New Haven. One man is already on the rooftop, removing zinc sheets used to construct the new school. Another, who had come down to rest, begins to climb back up, while a third prepares food to eat.

It had rained the day before, and by the next morning, when this reporter arrived, some classrooms were still dripping with water. Several roofing sheets had been blown off, while others hung loosely, clinging to the structure. The men removing the damaged sheets said they were sent by the contractor responsible for the building.

A social media user, Nedu Ani, posted a video of one of the classrooms, which was seriously dripping with water. School teachers could be heard in the background saying, “What is this? This is terrible, see rain at Smart Green School, New Haven Campus,” as a child is asked to go and shift some desks. Another user, Alex Onyia, said, “This is Enugu State Smart Green School, at New Heaven. This building is barely 2 years old. This is very bad.”

An engineer who did not come with the three individuals already working on the rooftop said he was also asked to assess the situation and consider removing the roofing wood. He explained that the cause of water entering the classrooms was insufficient slope on the zinc roofing, which causes it to pool rather than drain off immediately.

All about Smart Schools

Between 2023 and 2024, the Enugu State Government introduced the Smart School initiative as part of a broader education reform agenda to improve learning outcomes by modernising infrastructure, integrating digital tools, and enhancing teaching environments. The initiative involves constructing purpose-built schools with technology-driven classrooms across all 260 wards of the state.

In a September 2025 broadcast, Governor Peter Mbah said that each of the 260 schools was designed as a complete ecosystem for learning. “Smart means integrating technology, critical thinking, and problem-solving into every subject,” he said.

He explained that each has about 25 digitally connected modern classrooms, ICT centres, robotics and AI labs, e-libraries, and spaces for experiential learning. “They are green because they have renewable energy sources and smart farms where children plant, grow, and harvest, learning agriculture not as theory but as practice.”

Government statements and media reports show that the Smart Schools are being constructed with the expectation that children currently in existing public schools across the state will be integrated into the new campuses as they become operational, with each Smart Green School designed to accommodate between 840 and 1,000 pupils, covering early childhood through full basic education within the same campus.

At different gatherings, the governor and those working in his administration have praised the initiative as a game-changer. During a courtesy visit in April, the head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Office and Representative in Nigeria, Jean-Paul Ngome Abiaga, was quoted as saying it was “transformative and forward-looking”. He said that UNESCO was impressed by the scale, speed, and vision underpinning the state’s education reforms.

“Your focus on human capital development is extremely important, and the development of the Smart Schools is remarkable,” Abiaga said, referring to Governor Mbah. “We see strong

complementarity between what you are implementing here and UNESCO’s programmes in Nigeria.”

In mid 2025, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, assured that the Smart Schools would commence full academic sessions on September 22, 2025. The Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB) Chairman, Hyginus Okibe, also reaffirmed the September resumption date. At least 11,000 new Smart school teachers were reported to be undergoing recruitment and training at the Centre for Experiential Learning and Innovation in the state, although there have been concerns about the government’s recruitment process, with many applicants who passed the examinations alleging they had not heard from the government.

Concerns about timeline and quality

However, this investigation found that as of May 2026, many of the schools had not yet been physically completed and were not fully equipped with the necessary facilities for academic activities. Owo Smart Green School, the pilot project located in Owo, the governor’s home state, opened on February 7, 2024.

At the same time, existing public schools have not received attention, with pupils trapped in unsuitable environments, enduring overcrowded classrooms, exposure to the elements, and poor sanitation.

The governor has acknowledged that building the 260 new schools simultaneously has been challenging, but restated his administration’s resolve to see the initiative through. “This journey

has not been easy. We know that every Smart Green School is not yet complete. There have been setbacks, delays, and challenges to overcome.

But even beyond concerns about completion timelines, there are serious questions about the structural integrity of the Smart Green Schools currently under construction. While many of the facilities appear impressive from afar, closer inspection reveals worrying construction defects that raise safety and accountability concerns.

The April incident was not the first time at New Haven. While moving around the entire building, this reporter observed water stains on the walls. Findings show that, on some occasions, schoolchildren have had to remove water from their classrooms. It was observed that many ceilings were improperly done.

The New Haven Smart School is not the only school where this has happened. In February 2026, a windstorm tore off the roof of the Smart Green School in Ishielu Amagunze, Nkanu East Local Government Area, further fuelling concerns over construction standards and supervision. On March 11, 2026, members of Amofia Nara, also in Nkanu East, raised concerns about the quality of work and materials used at the Smart School in the community. On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, a video of another roof collapse at the Smart school in Iheaka, a community in the Igbo-Eze South Local Government, after rainfall, made the rounds, and then another school in Orba

A civil engineer, Sixtus Okoh, said that the collapses were a result of failure to build with the weather in mind. He explained that in areas prone to windstorms, structural design must account

for wind load, adding that engineers calculate expected wind pressures and adjust the size and reinforcement of structural members accordingly.

“For example, a 9-by-9-inch pillar that may be adequate in a low-wind environment could be insufficient in a high-wind zone. In such locations, the column dimensions, reinforcement detailing, foundation depth, and lateral bracing would typically be increased to withstand greater forces.”

He said that it was important to always build with nature rather than against it. “For instance, trees also play an important environmental role. Strategically located vegetation can act as windbreaks, reducing wind speed and protecting buildings from direct impact.”

More work to be done

Beyond the rainwater dripping into classrooms, this reporter observed that the New Haven Smart School project was not yet complete. Electrical and plumbing installations were still ongoing, while key facilities such as laptops and some office furniture remained unfinished. Several sections of the building still had bamboo scaffolding in place, a clear indication that construction or significant renovation was ongoing.

Behind one part of the structure, the area looks dirty and overgrown with bushes, a sign of poor maintenance. Also, this reporter noticed that landscaping had not been fully completed. Cracks were also noticed on the walls, raising questions about why schoolchildren were asked to resume

school when construction had not been completed, and the structure was not fully equipped for use.

Although their designs might be the same, this investigation shows that some of the smart schools where children are already attending classes, like New Haven, are nothing like the pilot school in Owo in terms of landscaping, provision of staff quarters, a playground, and a proper football field for children. Owo also has school buses that bring children in.

During a visit to the Smart Green School at Practising School, Emene, on February 13, 2026, this reporter observed that major works, such as electrical work, were still underway. The plastering was only being concluded with some ceilings yet to be fixed. A month later, on March 29, this reporter revisited the location with engineer Okoh to assess the level and quality of work being done. This time, painting and plastering of some sections were almost complete, but the landscaping was not yet done.

Inside the compound, desks were stacked in a corner, suggesting the facility was not yet fully ready for use. Okoh raised concerns about the quality of materials used for rails and the gravel. He also observed that the structure lacked proper finishing, a critical component of a building’s structural integrity and long-term durability, though often considered an aesthetic aspect.

He explained that neatness in brickwork (using plumb lines, proper alignment, and filled joints) ensures that the building’s load is distributed evenly, reducing the risk of structural failure, cracking, or tipping.

“Also, proper plastering and painting act as a protective layer against rain, humidity, and atmospheric damage. Poor finishing allows moisture ingress, which can weaken the cement matrix and corrode reinforcement steel, leading to structural failures over time,” he said.

He further said that proper finishing reduces the need for future structural repairs, which can weaken the building’s original design, adding that neat work during curing and plastering prevents the formation of cracks, which, if left unchecked, can compromise the structure’s stability.

Accessibility has also emerged as a major concern. Findings indicate that some Smart Schools are located far from families’ homes, which could pose a significant challenge for schoolchildren. Education advocates warn that unless transportation arrangements or additional neighbourhood-level facilities are provided, the integration of pupils into the Smart School system could unintentionally exclude vulnerable children.

How much do the schools cost?

Each of the Smart School projects is estimated to cost approximately ₦1.5 billion, according to the commissioner for education, Ndubueze Mbah, in an interview. Some available information also put the cost at ₦1.3 billion for both construction and equipping.

In 2025, Enugu State allocated ₦266.7 billion to develop its Smart School initiative. The bulk of this spending was on the construction of 200 integrated Smart Schools (₦100 billion) and on equipping 260 ward Smart Schools with digital tools and technology (₦146 billion).

Additional funds were spent on upgrading three senior secondary school structures (₦10.7 billion) and on establishing Smart Senior Secondary Schools (₦10 billion). The investment focused on improving infrastructure, modernising classrooms, and introducing ICT-enabled learning across primary and junior secondary schools in the state.

For 2026, the government allocated ₦198 billion to continue the Smart School programme, with

₦158 billion dedicated to constructing 16 Smart Senior Secondary Schools and ₦10 billion for equipping and furnishing existing Smart Schools. A further ₦30 billion was earmarked for a school feeding programme to support student nutrition and attendance.

“By prioritising nutrition, the program serves as a critical measure in the fight against childhood malnutrition within our state, laying the foundation for healthier, more resilient future generations, “the budget document reads.

The allocation, however, has attracted scrutiny amid concerns over implementation capacity and infrastructure readiness. Critics argue that the programme’s effectiveness may be undermined because some of the targeted schools are not yet complete or operational, raising questions about how meals will be delivered, stored, and supervised in facilities that may still lack basic functionality.

The gathering that gave hope

In December, the Enugu State Ministry of Works organised a stakeholders’ workshop that brought together experts in the construction sector, including the Director-General of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), Prof. Samson Duna, to discuss quality assurance of construction materials and ways to enhance the longevity of public structures.

During the meeting, Duna called for the establishment of standard construction-material testing laboratories nationwide as a key step towards ending the persistent collapse of buildings caused by substandard materials. He warned that the use of substandard construction materials poses serious risks to lives and public investments, stressing that effective supervision alone is insufficient without functional laboratories to verify the quality of materials used in public infrastructure.

The Enugu State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ben Osy Okoh, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening construction standards through improved regulatory compliance, enhanced testing and supervision, and the consistent use of quality construction materials across the state.

The Secretary to Enugu State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, who represented the governor, said that the administration’s vision is not only to deliver visible projects but also to ensure durability, safety, and long-term economic value. He said that the state was committing significant resources towards establishing standard laboratories because quality remains central to Enugu’s infrastructure drive.

At the end of the forum, attendees left the hall, hoping the era of substandard structural delivery was over. Sadly, many of the structures continue to fail the integrity test. For instance, in July 2025, the Enugu State Government demolished a Smart Green School in Mbu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, after structural assessments found the building to be substandard. The Chairman of Isi-Uzo LGA, Barr. Obiora Obeagu was quoted as saying that a state technical team, led by the Secretary to the State Government, had earlier identified defects and directed the contractor to rectify them.

However, during a follow-up inspection by officials of the Enugu State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, the structure failed integrity tests. Visible cracks had spread across critical sections of the building, forcing the government to order its demolition.

“The contractors misrepresented their compliance, betraying the trust of the state government,” Obeagu said. “The governor not only directed the demolition of the affected structure but also the immediate termination of the contract, as the contractors failed to meet the required quality standards.”

That same month, the state government reportedly also ordered the demolition of a staircase at another Smart Green School in Amankpunato, Achi Uno, Ward 2, in Oji River Local Government Area, after it failed structural integrity tests.

In a post on X, the Senior Special Assistant on Mainstream Media to the governor, Dan Nwomeh, said that the staircase was among the defects previously identified by the government’s internal monitoring mechanisms.

“It had been flagged for remediation by the contractor at no cost to the government”, he said. “The contractor responsible will also face appropriate sanctions in line with the government’s zero tolerance for substandard work.”

“The safety of pupils, teachers, and communities remains paramount, and all Smart Schools will meet the structural and quality benchmarks required to deliver long-term value and safety,” he said.

Lack of proper monitoring is a major problem

While the government’s willingness to sanction contractors may be commendable, Engr. Okoh said that the defects observed so far are due to poor workmanship and a failure to ensure compliance with quality and structural integrity standards. According to him, every site/environment has its own unique challenge, which should be considered before, during, and after construction.

“Oftentimes, the government awards contracts and goes to sleep without adequate monitoring to ensure that such projects are executed according to plan. And when contractors have the opportunity to save costs by using bad materials, they go ahead.”

He explained that, for instance, during construction, the concrete cube test is a vital quality-control procedure for determining the compressive strength of concrete. It ensures that the concrete used in structural elements like beams, columns, and slabs meets the required strength specifications to prevent cracking, sagging, or collapse. Okoh noted that conducting a proper soil test and implementing an appropriate structural design from the outset often helps prevent structural defects, such as cracks, from developing.

“You use 1:2:4 (1 cement: 2 sand: 4 gravel) for reinforced structural elements like beams, slabs, and columns to ensure high strength and 1:3:6 (1 cement: 3 sand: 6 gravel) for non-structural, low-load, or bedding, such as blinding, concrete foundations, or floor foundations, “he explained.

He added that failing to properly arrange the ironwork (reinforcing bars, or rebar) in a concrete beam is another critical, often catastrophic error in construction. He further explained that post-construction, there are highly effective non-destructive testing (NDT) methods and equipment that can assess the strength and structural integrity of pillars and columns without damaging them. These tools, according to him, allow engineers to verify that the concrete has met the required design strength to carry the building’s load and avoid possible collapse.

“Normally, a consultant who designs the project should always be on the ground to monitor”, he said. “But because of the possibility of working with the contractor to compromise, the government ought to also have an independent eye to constantly monitor projects for quality. But what we have seen so far raises broader questions about oversight mechanisms, contractor competence, and quality assurance processes.”

Expert concerns

Development experts have questioned the policy priorities behind the Smart Green Schools initiative, raising concerns about why the government is committing billions of naira to building entirely new schools rather than rehabilitating and upgrading existing public schools into smart learning centres.

They also raised concerns about whether due procurement processes were strictly followed in awarding contracts, especially in light of reported cases of structural failures and poor delivery of work, citing the case of Olasijibomi Ogundele, Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, which was awarded a contract worth over ₦11.4 billion by the Enugu State Government on July 2, 2024, for the construction of 22 Smart Green Schools.

While about N5.7 billion, representing 50 per cent of the contract sum, was reportedly paid upfront, the contractor was subsequently accused of deploying inexperienced workers and engineers, and executing substandard work that failed to meet the structural specifications outlined in the project’s design. These concerns prompted an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which has so far resulted in the recovery of ₦1.23 billion. The company had previously faced scrutiny over property-related dealings, including a 2024 police investigation linked to an alleged $325,000 property fraud.

“The development raises broader questions about procurement oversight,” said Ben Nwosu, who is the Director at the Institute for Development Studies at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.

Nwosu argued that the government moved too quickly in implementing the smart school policy without addressing key fundamentals such as sustainability, infrastructure maintenance, and teacher quality, factors that he says are critical to the long-term success of such an initiative.

According to him, focusing primarily on retrofitting and rehabilitating existing public schools may have been a more strategic approach. “You can provide digital systems and manpower in existing schools; you just have to put them in good shape,” he noted. Besides, the real measure of success should be based on learning outcomes, with students who complete each level demonstrating mastery of core competencies.

While acknowledging that the policy may be well-intentioned, Nwosu stressed that the government failed to adequately consider the foundational elements required for effectiveness and sustainability. He described the decision to construct 260 Smart Green Schools simultaneously as overly ambitious.

He further questioned how digital learning would be effectively integrated in remote areas where access to electricity remains a major challenge, despite government assurances that solar power systems would provide an uninterrupted energy supply.

“There is a concern about the availability of skilled personnel to maintain digital tools like interactive boards and other smart learning infrastructure when they develop faults. “It is not just about spending money, but spending it strategically,” he said.

However, not all experts share this perspective. Eric Nwagu, a professor in the Department of Social Science Education at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, argued that Smart Green Schools represent a comprehensive and specialised model that cannot be simply replicated within existing structures.

According to him, the initiative is designed as a complete package that requires purpose-built infrastructure, advanced equipment, and a distinct cadre of highly trained teachers capable of delivering a specialised curriculum.

“Some of the already existing structures are too old, and what it will cost the government to renovate and put them in a form that they can be used for the Smart education curriculum may take nearly what is being invested in the new structures, “he said.

However, he warned that the ambitious infrastructure drive should not come at the expense of existing public schools that remain underfunded and in disrepair. “Until the new schools are completed and the children and teachers are incorporated, the government has a duty to keep funding already existing public schools,” Nwagu said.

Works Commissioner refuses to react

 On Thursday, 9, Tuesday, 14, and Thursday, 16 April, this reporter went to the office of the commissioner for works, Okoh, to request an interview regarding the findings of the investigation, after calling and sending text messages, but received no response. However, for each of those times, he said that he was busy and either going for an inspection or going to see the governor and could not grant any interview. This is after he has attended to other individuals waiting to see him.

Specifically, this reporter wanted to find out why collapses continue to occur, despite assurances that the structures will be built to standards. This reporter also wanted to find out whether the ministry was consistently conducting inspections, whether the materials being used were tested for quality, and the timeline for the completion of all smart schools.

However, a top official at the Ministry of Works, who agreed to speak to this reporter on condition of anonymity, blamed contractors for the poor execution of Smart School projects across the state, including the roofing collapse at New Haven.

“They were selected based on their capacity to deliver, but some have failed the government. Once a contractor is mobilised to the site, they are expected to execute work to specification and that each stage must be verified and approved, and more work done before further payments are made through certified valuations.”

The official claimed that the ministry maintains strict oversight of contractors, including routine supervision and technical testing to ensure that materials meet required standards. “We carry out continuous supervision and subject materials to necessary tests to ensure compliance,” the official said. “Contractors cannot move from one stage of work to another without proper approval.”

Responding to concerns about the lack of equipment at the New Haven Smart School, the official stated that all required materials, including laptops, had already been procured by the government and would be distributed to schools.

Meanwhile, the official explained that since last year, the state government has asked local government chairmen to take over the monitoring of the projects because they are closer to the locations.

“A meeting was held that had town planners, supervisors, technical staff, and councillors in local governments. They were now in charge of paying contractors for their work, but some of them had issues with the contractors,” the official said.

The official said that part of the challenges affecting the project stemmed from the locations of the land provided by host communities. In several cases, the official noted that communities allocated plots situated in remote, hard-to-reach areas, making it difficult for contractors to transport building materials and equipment.

“As a result, some contractors, under pressure to manage rising logistics costs, resorted to cutting corners, leading to substandard work that failed to meet required specifications,” the official claimed.

This report was produced with support from Civic Media Lab