The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to free education in all government public schools from Basic One to Basic Nine across the state.
Chief Solomon Iorpev, Technical Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, noting that Governor Alia made the remarks at the maiden edition of the Benue Basic Education Summit held at the College of Health Sciences, Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi.
According to the statement, Governor Alia stated that his administration, which has recruited over 9,700 teachers, ensured consistent payment of salaries and implemented the harmonized retirement age for teachers, and remains determined to ensure that no school-age child is left out of the classroom.
He explained that the decision to make education from Basic One to nine free is aimed at supporting the poor and vulnerable while laying a solid foundation for future leaders of the state.
He called on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to support the enforcement of free and compulsory basic education, stressing that the future of Benue State depends on its young population.
During the summit, Governor Alia also launched a landmark project titled Building Rights to Access and Compulsory Education for Un-enrolled Pupils (BRACE-UP).
The initiative is designed as a sustainable, evidence-based strategy to ensure that every Benue child is enrolled, retained, and empowered through quality basic education.
According to the Governor, BRACE-UP will mobilize community leaders, parents, and teachers to identify out-of-school children, create flexible learning pathways, and track learners’ progress from enrolment to completion.
He assured that his administration would continue to provide catalytic funding and strengthen policy frameworks in line with the Universal Basic Education Act to prioritize compulsory and free basic education for all children in the state.
In a related development, the national leadership of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), led by Comrade Audu Titus Amba, presented Governor Alia with a Golden Award for Education and Teacher Friendliness.
The union described the recognition as validation of the administration’s efforts in revitalizing basic education in Benue State.
Responding, the Governor pledged to pay one month’s arrears owed to retired teachers and reaffirmed his commitment to their welfare.
“You have taught me and I won’t cheat you,” he assured.
