Transforming Education in Benue State: Governor Alia’s Bold Initiatives

In a remarkable turnaround for public education, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State is spearheading a transformative agenda to revitalize the state’s primary school system. With a series of strategic interventions, the administration is addressing long-standing challenges such as poor infrastructure, teacher shortages, and inefficiencies that have plagued the sector for decades.

The Universal Basic Education program, designed to provide free, compulsory, and universal education to children from primary up to junior secondary levels, had experienced a steady decline in infrastructure and manpower since the late 20th century. Public schools in Benue State suffered from neglect, leading to dilapidated structures, inadequate sanitation, and an unengaging learning environment. This neglect not only infringed on the fundamental right to quality education but also contributed to high dropout rates and teacher absenteeism.

Governor Alia has taken decisive action to reverse this trend. His administration has embarked on an ambitious project to construct standard storey buildings in over 250 public primary schools across the state’s 23 local government areas. This initiative, driven by the recognition that high-quality infrastructure enhances teaching, improves student outcomes, and reduces dropouts, is already yielding results. The newly built schools are creating a homely and welcoming atmosphere, making them desirable places for students to learn.

To tackle the chronic shortage of qualified teachers, Governor Alia has recruited approximately 9,700 educators with sound knowledge and expertise. These well-trained teachers are now effectively managing classrooms, delivering quality lessons, and providing constructive feedback. They have also fostered an engaging learning environment that promotes student achievement and encourages social-emotional growth. Except in areas affected by insecurity where schools remain non-functional, all public primary schools in Benue State now have sufficient, well-trained staff to cater to individual student needs.

The administration has also addressed systemic issues such as the presence of “ghost workers” on payrolls, a practice that led to significant financial losses through corruption and payroll fraud. Under the leadership of Dr. Grace Adagba, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), regular audits and biometric verifications have been implemented to ensure staff are real and present. Dr. Adagba’s relentless pursuit of excellence has fostered a culture of transparency, ensuring every child in Benue State has access to quality basic education.

Dr. Adagba’s regular supervisions of public primary schools and UBE centers are maintaining educational standards and ensuring schools function effectively. Her visits help identify problems, provide guidance to teachers, and ultimately contribute to better pupil learning outcomes.

Governor Alia is further enhancing the education sector by equipping ICT centers in primary schools across Benue State. This initiative aims to develop foundational 21st-century skills, enhance learning through technology, bridge the digital divide, and prepare pupils for the future workforce. Primary school pupils now have access to tools that improve creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and digital literacy, making learning more engaging and relevant.

Governor Alia has expressed strong disapproval of the compulsory provision of sanitary items like brooms, soaps, tissues, and napkins as school requirements. He views these as unjustifiable financial burdens, especially for families struggling to provide basic education. By offering free tuition and a wide range of specialized services in public schools, the governor is encouraging parents to enroll their children, exposing them to a broader spectrum of cultures and perspectives to prepare them for a diverse world.

Governor Alia’s long-term commitment to improving the quality of life for Benue State residents has been widely praised. His efforts to revive public primary schools, lessen the burden of high tuition fees, and address systemic inefficiencies are attracting commendations from advocates of positive change and supporters of social reform. Isaac Uzaan, Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Content Creation, emphasized that this transformation will make public schools a beacon of hope and a model for educational advancement.

As Benue State embraces this new era of education, Governor Alia continues to call on parents to take advantage of these opportunities and enroll their children in public schools. With ongoing investments and a focus on quality, the future of education in Benue State looks brighter than ever.

Reported by Isaac Uzaan from Makurdi