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The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has deepened its collaboration with the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to improve learning outcomes in selected Effective Model Schools across the state.
The renewed partnership was spotlighted during a high-level strategic engagement held at SUBEB headquarters in Makurdi on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The meeting focused on enhancing access to modern learning facilities, instructional resources, and innovative educational tools.
Mr. Stephen Nwanyanya, JICA’s Program Coordinator for Education and Long-term Training Programme, commended SUBEB for its dedication to expanding structural access to quality basic education. He disclosed that under JICA’s Grant Aid Project, the agency plans to construct Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and vocational laboratories, complete with required equipment, at LGGEA St. Theresa’s Primary School, Makurdi, and other model schools statewide.
Dr. Hikaru Kusakabe, Basic Education Advisor for JICA, announced the commencement of the agency’s Technical Cooperation Project in Benue State. As part of the initiative, JICA has supplied 100 copies of mathematics textbooks to LGGEA St. Theresa’s Primary School, Makurdi, while also testing a new mathematics learning application designed specifically for basic schools.
Responding on behalf of SUBEB, the Executive Chairman, Dr. Grace Adagbagba, expressed deep appreciation to JICA for its sustained support. She emphasized that the intervention aligns perfectly with SUBEB’s ACCESS pillar, which prioritizes improved learning environments and expanded educational opportunities for pupils throughout Benue State.
Dr. Adagbagba further revealed that LGGEA St. Theresa’s Primary School has already been earmarked for comprehensive renovation, with rehabilitation works expected to begin in the coming months. She noted that the JICA initiative will significantly complement SUBEB’s ongoing efforts to upgrade the school to modern educational standards.
The meeting was attended by officials from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and senior management staff of SUBEB. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment between JICA and the Benue State Government to strengthen basic education infrastructure, provide better learning materials, and introduce innovative teaching tools to benefit pupils across the state.
The partnership is expected to yield long-term improvements in teaching quality, student performance, and overall access to inclusive, equitable education in Benue.
