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The Benue State Government has officially flagged off the distribution of Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs) donated by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to public basic education schools across the state.
The ceremony took place on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the headquarters of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in Makurdi. Performing the flag-off on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Barr. Sam Ode, emphasized that basic education remains the cornerstone of child development and the foundation for all higher levels of learning.
Dr. Ode described the provision of teaching and learning materials as non-negotiable in achieving quality education outcomes. He highlighted the Governor’s unwavering commitment to advancing basic education, evidenced by consistent payment of counterpart funds, construction and rehabilitation of classrooms, recruitment of over 9,000 teachers, provision of teaching aids, and strengthened collaboration with UBEC and development partners to attract more educational interventions.
The Deputy Governor warned Education Secretaries to ensure the materials are delivered strictly to the intended public schools, stressing that any diversion would attract appropriate sanctions.
In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha Garba—represented by the UBEC North Central Director, Elder Edward Abalaka—commended the Benue State Government for its consistent collaboration with the Commission. She praised SUBEB Executive Chairman, Dr. Grace Adagba, for repositioning the Board for greater efficiency and noted that the absence of essential teaching and learning materials undermines effective education delivery.
Speaking earlier, Dr. Grace Adagba explained that the carefully selected materials—including whiteboard markers, smart boards, computers, English and Mathematics textbooks, Early Childhood Education Development books, History books, and assorted storybooks—were chosen to support early literacy, promote digital learning, stimulate creativity, and enhance classroom engagement.
She expressed deep gratitude to Governor Alia for his consistent support, noting that the intervention would significantly improve teaching and learning outcomes in basic schools statewide.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Chairman of the Benue State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Education, Hon. Elias Audu, and the Honourable Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Adamu. Both commended Dr. Adagba for her innovative programmes, which they said have positively changed the narrative around basic education in the state, and pledged continued support to SUBEB.
The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Alfred Emberga, also pledged the Assembly’s full backing for SUBEB’s efforts to deliver quality education, expressing confidence in the Board’s leadership and readiness to collaborate for the state’s development.
Dignitaries at the event included the Chairman of the Forum of Heads of Agencies, Mrs. Erdoo Iyo; General Manager of Benue Links Nigeria Limited, Mr. Alexander Fanafa; Managing Director of Benue Printing and Publishing Company, Mr. Mtsor Joel (Shimattex); General Manager of Benue Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Joseph Kwaghgbha; General Manager of Novus Bank, Mrs. Patricia Goja; Director General of Climate Change, Dr. Mailumo; and other top government officials.
The distribution exercise marks a significant step in strengthening basic education infrastructure and resources in Benue State, aligning with the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda for educational advancement.
