Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Holdings, Dr Sijibomi Ogundele, has recounted how the Enugu Smart School partnership came about.

“Our initial mission was to advance the Sujimoto Farm Project into the hinterlands of Enugu, where we intend to cultivate 20,000 hectares of arable land to develop the nation’s largest Rice farm estate, aimed at eradicating hunger through affordable food production for Nigerians. Yet, as we immersed ourselves in this endeavour, an unexpected and iconic project revealed itself, inviting us to contribute and be a part of something truly monumental. 

“The political entrepreneur Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah reached out to us with the goal of establishing Nigeria’s first-of-its-kind, Enugu Smart School project, a groundbreaking initiative and the best forward-thinking educational centres to be developed across Enugu’s 260 wards, facilitating Experiential Learning and innovation, and setting a new benchmark in education.

From being labelled as a “silent achiever” to emerging as a paragon of dedication in both human and physical infrastructure, the Executive Governor’s remarkable commitment is unmistakable. His administration, which prioritises nurturing smart human capital, upskilling the workforce, and cultivating future leaders for the Fourth Industrial Revolution while ambitiously aiming for a zero-percent poverty rate has already set a groundbreaking precedent. 

He unveiled an ambitious desire to nurture future global leaders and an empowered populace ready to make their mark on the world stage, driven by his conviction that education is the ultimate antidote for poverty. To bring this vision to life, he is investing in the construction of 260 state-of-the-art schools across Enugu’s 17 local governments, each with a substantial budget of about N1.6 billion, totaling nearly half a trillion Naira. In this monumental endeavor, he sought to enlist Sujimoto Constructions as a key partner in shaping this transformative educational revolution in South-Eastern Nigeria.

The governor’s ambition is nothing short of revolutionary; he aims to redefine education in Enugu State not just for the next four years but for the next 400 years. Energised by this vision, I swiftly assembled a team of dynamic, forward-thinking professionals eager to play a pivotal role in Sujimoto’s landmark projects. We enlisted the most exceptional engineers and architects, handpicked for their unparalleled skill and dedication, to bring this iconic project and initiative to life.

This close involvement has afforded me the privilege of witnessing firsthand the governor’s extraordinary foresight. His relentless pursuit of innovation and his unyielding commitment to pushing the boundaries of possibility are reshaping not just the present but also laying the foundation for an enduring legacy.

While my world has been one of opulence, Sujimoto has catered to the top 1% of the 1% in Nigeria for the past decade with an unprecedented experience of luxury. From the iconic Giuliano Townhouses, the Most Gossiped-About Tallest and Most Sophisticated Residential Building in Banana Island LucreziaBySujimoto, to the upcoming LeonardoBySujimoto, poised to be the Highest and Most Luxurious building in Sub-Saharan Africa I have embraced this new bold challenge with a vision that goes far beyond mere luxury. Fueled by the persistent desire to pioneer something truly groundbreaking, we have embarked on a mission to weave together our tradition of elite living with a groundbreaking educational initiative, aiming to forge a new legacy for our dear nation.. 

The Enugu Smart Schools project, which will be paved alongside a suite of high-tech facilities and cutting-edge equipment, will become a dynamic training and retraining center. Here, educators will be immersed in digital innovation, mechatronics, artificial intelligence, and robotics, equipping them with the skills needed to excel in the state’s 260 smart schools and transform the educational landscape.

Sujimoto noted that the project represents a commitment to giving back to society, moving from luxury architecture to building a structure that the common man can thrive in. This school is envisioned as a timeless legacy, where future generations, from children to great-grandparents can all share the unique experience of learning in the same hallowed halls.

We’re not just building a school; we’re forging a monument that will endure for over a millennium, a place where countless generations will make lasting memories and watch as it stands as a beacon of progress and unity for 1,000 years and beyond. 

“This project has been a crowning achievement, and I am overjoyed to reveal that, upon its completion, we shall award lifetime scholarships to a select cohort of students, from primary through tertiary education. This initiative will serve as a powerful testament to my steadfast commitment to the people of Enugu and Nigeria, embodying our vision of nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators,” he added.