Former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola’s record of building 72 modern schools has resurfaced in public debate as controversy grows over Abia State’s ₦7 billion smart school projects.
Between 2010 and 2018, Aregbesola launched a massive infrastructure drive that produced 72 new schools equipped with libraries, laboratories, and recreational facilities. At the time, the initiative was praised as a model for tackling Nigeria’s education infrastructure deficit.
The debate started again after photos of Abia’s smart school projects under Governor Alex Otti went viral, with many Nigerians questioning whether they are worth the cost and of good quality. Critics say Aregbesola’s school projects were better because they reached more people and improved learning conditions.
Experts have said that although Aregbesola had his controversies, he was focused on strong and lasting school buildings that supported real learning, not just “show projects.” This has renewed calls for Nigerian states to invest in practical and long-lasting education solutions.
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