The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Benue State Wing, has endorsed Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia for a second term in office, citing his administration’s remarkable transformation of basic education and sustained commitment to the welfare, dignity and professional standing of teachers. The endorsement was announced during the 2026 International Teachers’ Day celebration held at IBB Square, Makurdi, on October 5, under the theme “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping Our Futures.”
Represented by his Deputy, Barr. Sam Ode, the Governor highlighted key achievements in the education sector. These include the recruitment of over 9,000 teachers, the construction and renovation of 435 classrooms, the provision of WASH facilities, 36 libraries, 25 school boreholes and more than 13,000 pieces of furniture. He also noted the professional development of over 8,900 teachers, the ₦150 million monthly School Grant Scheme, and the implementation of Project BRACE-UP aimed at enrolling out-of-school children. The Governor observed that the NUT’s endorsement reflected the confidence of the teaching community in his administration.
In her opening address, the Chairman of the occasion and Executive Chairman of Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, commended the Governor for restoring the dignity, security and professional standing of teachers through deliberate policies, including school grants and the harmonised retirement age. She described teachers as critical partners in building Benue’s future and noted that, despite the challenges they face, they have remained resilient and passionate over the years.
NUT State Chairman, Comrade Akuma Levi Terna, in his welcome address, acknowledged the administration’s interventions in basic education and its attention to teachers’ welfare, which he said had strengthened the confidence of teachers in the Governor’s leadership. He formally announced the Union’s endorsement of Governor Alia for a second term and urged him to continue the transformation of the education sector.
The celebration brought together teachers, education stakeholders and government officials from across the state to mark the 60th anniversary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers.
