Benue State Government has flagged off the distribution of Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs) donated by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to basic education schools across the state.
The flag-off ceremony took place on Monday at the headquarters of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in Makurdi.
Performing the flag-off on behalf of the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Barr. Sam Ode, mni, reiterated that basic education remains the bedrock of child development and the foundation upon which all other levels of education are built.
He stressed that the provision of Teaching and Learning Materials is non-negotiable in achieving quality education outcomes.
Dr. Ode stated that the distribution of the TLMs is an evidence of the Governor’s unwavering commitment to the advancement of basic education in the State, with the Benue State Government complementing UBEC’s efforts through the provision of additional learning and teaching resources like dusters, markers and white boards.
He said the administration has shown strong political commitment to repositioning the education sector, especially at the basic level, pointing to key achievements such as the regular payment of counterpart funds, the construction and rehabilitation of classrooms across the state, the recruitment of more than 9,000 teachers, the provision of teaching and learning materials, and enhanced collaboration with UBEC and development partners to attract critical educational interventions.
The Deputy Governor warned Education Secretaries to ensure that the materials are delivered strictly to public schools for which they are meant, emphasizing 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 consistency in collaborating with the Commission.
She observed that the absence of essential teaching and learning materials undermines effective education delivery and praised the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Dr. Grace Adagba, for repositioning the Board for greater efficiency.
She assured the state of UBEC’s continued support towards building a functional and effective basic education system.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Chairman of Benue SUBEB, Dr. Grace Adagba, explained that the materials were carefully selected to support early literacy, promote digital learning, stimulate creativity, and enhance classroom engagement.
She expressed gratitude to Governor Alia for his consistent support to the Board, noting that the intervention would significantly improve teaching and learning outcomes in Basic Schools across the State.
In their Goodwill messages, the Chairman, Benue State House of Assembly standing Committee on Education, Hon. Elias Audu, and the Honourable Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Adamu, commended Dr. Adagba for the innovative programmes being implemented to advance basic education in Benue State.
They acknowledged that the initiatives have positively changed the narrative of basic education and pledged continued support to SUBEB in the discharge of its mandate.
The Teaching and Learning Materials distributed include whiteboard markers, smart boards, computers, English and Mathematics textbooks, Early Childhood Education Development Education books,History books, and assorted storybooks.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Alfred Emberga, pledged the Assembly’s support to SUBEB in its quest to provide quality education for the Benue child.
He affirmed the Assembly’s confidence in the leadership and capacity of the Board and its Chairman, expressing readiness to work collaboratively for the development of the State.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Chairman, Forum of Heads of Agencies, Mrs. Erdoo Iyo; the General Manager, Benue Links Nigeria Limited, Mr. Alexander Fanafa; the Managing Director, Benue Printing and Publishing Company,Mr Mtsor Joel (Shimatex);
Others are the General Manager, Benue Internal Revenue Service, Mr Joseph Kwaghgba; the General Manager, Novus Bank, Mrs. Patricia Goja; the Director General, Climate Change, Dr. Mailumo, among other top government officials.
Credit: Akese Emmanuella
