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The Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), led by its Executive Chairman, Dr. Grace Adagba, paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Adamu, at the State Secretariat in Makurdi. The visit marks a significant step toward fostering collaboration and advancing the state’s education sector.
Dr. Adagba highlighted the purpose of the visit as an opportunity to familiarize the newly appointed Commissioner with the Ministry’s operations. She expressed optimism about Dr. Adamu’s leadership, noting the Ministry’s vast scope and its potential for progress under her guidance. Dr. Adagba also commended the Commissioner’s immediate past contributions and expressed confidence in continued transformative efforts.
During the visit, Dr. Adamu acknowledged SUBEB as the first organization to extend a courtesy call since her assumption of office, describing the gesture as highly appreciated. She emphasized the prioritization of a credible school census and praised Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for his transformative initiatives. These include the construction of modern schools, provision of state-of-the-art facilities, recruitment of over 9,000 teachers, and prompt payment of salaries and pensions.
The Commissioner further outlined recent reforms introduced by the Ministry, such as the implementation of the 9:3:4 education system, compulsory ICT instruction in schools, promotion of skills acquisition through handwork, introduction of insurance cover for learners, and a ban on customized textbooks. These measures aim to enhance educational quality and accessibility across the state.
Dr. Adagba raised concerns about the incomplete school census data, particularly the omission of private schools, which she noted denies the state opportunities for international grants, including those from UNICEF. She stressed the need for staff training and a child-centered approach to address sector challenges, underscoring the importance of the Federal Government’s Hope Education Programme. Accurate and comprehensive data, she added, is a prerequisite for states to benefit from such initiatives.
“With Governor Alia’s commitment to advancing basic education in the state, we are gradually moving from infrastructural development to quality delivery in our schools,” Dr. Adagba remarked. She also emphasized the need for accurate data to support the state’s educational progress.
In response, Dr. Adamu, supported by her Permanent Secretaries and Directors, commended Dr. Adagba’s presentation and assured her commitment to repositioning the Ministry for greater development. She pledged to ensure that all agencies and parastatals under the Ministry align their efforts toward the state’s progress.
The collaborative spirit demonstrated during this visit signals a promising future for Benue State’s education sector, with both leaders committed to driving meaningful change.
Reported by Akese Emmanuella, Information Officer, Benue SUBEB
