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The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Makurdi Local Government Area, Hon. Tion Paul Tyover, has demanded the immediate resignation of the State Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Mrs. Margaret Adamu, over serious allegations that she owns and operates a substandard private school in Makurdi.
In a press conference addressed to journalists on Tuesday, Tyover accused the Commissioner of compromising educational standards by allegedly running Merleon International School, located behind the Mobile Barracks in the Adeke area of Makurdi. He claimed the school is owned by Dr. Adamu and managed by her daughter.
According to Tyover, independent investigations by concerned citizens revealed that the school operates from a four-bedroom residential apartment, with rooms converted into makeshift classrooms. This arrangement, he argued, contravenes existing regulations that mandate purpose-built school facilities with approved building plans, standard classrooms, and proper safety exits.
The PDP chairman further alleged multiple violations of basic educational and safety standards, including:
– Use of pit toilets instead of the required VIP or water-cistern facilities, breaching hygiene and safety rules for schools.
– Running nursery, primary, and secondary sections with only 13 teachers, far below the prescribed teacher-pupil ratio of 1:25 and other staffing requirements.
– Complete absence of essential facilities such as a playground, potable water supply, perimeter fencing, fire-fighting equipment, a library, and basic health services—all legally required for approved schools.
Describing the situation as “disturbing” and the school as a “mushroom” institution, Tyover said it was unacceptable for the Commissioner responsible for regulating and enforcing educational standards to allegedly preside over an establishment that flagrantly falls short of those same standards.
He therefore called on Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia to immediately establish a Commission of Inquiry to thoroughly investigate the allegations, determine the extent of any harm caused to the state’s education sector, and take appropriate action.
“Benue children deserve safe learning environments, qualified teachers, and uncompromised standards,” Tyover stated. “The future of education in the state must be protected.”
The allegations have sparked renewed debate about oversight, accountability, and potential conflicts of interest within the education ministry. Neither the Commissioner nor the state government has issued an official response to the claims at the time of this report.
