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In a decisive move to restore industrial harmony across its tertiary education sector, the Benue State Government has approved over N2.9 billion to clear outstanding allowances owed to staff at Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, and the College of Health Sciences. The announcement, made during a press briefing at Government House on November 5, underscores Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s commitment to fiscal transparency, educational stability, and infrastructural advancement.
The Executive Council, chaired by Governor Alia, enacted sweeping policy reforms focusing on accountability and service delivery. Leading the briefing, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr. Peter Oboh Egbodo, detailed how the funds would directly address agitations over unpaid entitlements that had threatened academic continuity. “This decision reflects the government’s commitment to promoting education as a vital tool for social development and ensuring that our children do not suffer unnecessarily,” Dr. Egbodo stated.
A specially constituted committee, headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Deaconess Serumun Deborah Abee, Esq., engaged stakeholders to produce a comprehensive settlement report. The council’s approval of this report paves the way for immediate disbursement, effectively neutralizing potential unrest at the affected institutions.
In a parallel reform, Governor Alia assented to a bill passed by the Benue State House of Assembly mandating the merger of the Bureau of Quality Assurance and the Education Board. The consolidation aims to harmonize operations, enhance coordination, and strengthen quality education delivery statewide. Dr. Egbodo emphasized that the move would eliminate redundancies and improve efficiency without compromising standards.
Addressing public concerns over a recently approved loan, Dr. Egbodo clarified that no loans—foreign or local—had been obtained by the administration until the latest legislative approval. The facility is earmarked exclusively for ongoing infrastructural projects, with stringent transparency measures in place. Funds will flow directly from the bank to verified contractors upon submission of certified work certificates, bypassing government channels to prevent diversion.
“This ensures judicious use of funds and alignment with the government’s development priorities,” the Commissioner affirmed. An implementation committee comprising traditional rulers, chairmen of Makurdi and Guma local governments, and representatives of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) communities has been established to identify priority interventions and guarantee effective utilization.
Turning to legacy issues, Dr. Egbodo revealed that the government is revisiting a white paper on the Bureau of Agricultural Development and Mechanization. A previous committee had verified genuine contractors for agricultural input supplies, but implementation uncovered computational errors. “Government wants to ensure no contractor is shortchanged and that no payments are made for jobs not executed,” he noted. The white paper is under review to rectify discrepancies before final disbursements.
On donations for IDPs in Yelewa and other areas, Dr. Egbodo reassured citizens that contributions are being properly utilized to support victims’ reintegration and livelihood restoration. He urged the public to disregard unfounded reports aimed at discrediting the administration. “At the end of the day, when you see the impact of these interventions, it will be evident that the information being peddled by detractors was not based on truth,” he concluded.
The combined initiatives signal a robust framework for accountable governance, with education, transparency, and inclusive development at the forefront. As Benue State moves forward, these measures are poised to foster lasting stability and progress for its citizens.
