Benue State Government on Monday flagged off the Benue School Grant Scheme and distributed mobility aids to Quality Assurance Officers across the state’s 23 local government areas.
The event, held at the headquarters of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), marked another milestone in the state government’s education reform agenda.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Dr. Grace Adagba, described the School Grant Initiative as a bold and visionary intervention of the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia aimed at addressing operational sustainability challenges in schools.
She disclosed that the state government had released N150 million under the scheme, with each Headmaster and Principal to receive N50,000 monthly to cater for stationery, continuous assessments, first aid materials, utilities, and minor maintenance.
According to her, the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to free and compulsory education in the state.
Dr. Adagba warned that any Headmaster or Principal found imposing illegal levies on pupils or parents would henceforth face sanctions.
Flagging off the program on behalf of Governor Alia, the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, described education as the greatest investment of the government.
He noted that the initiative would strengthen school administration, improve learning conditions, and enhance monitoring in rural communities through the provision of motorcycles to Quality Assurance Officers.
The Deputy Governor further stated that the program aligns with the World Bank-supported HOPE Education Grant and places Benue among the leading states implementing education reforms.
In separate goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Adamu, and the UBEC State Coordinator, Mr. Idzi Baba Emmanuel, commended Governor Alia for his commitment to educational transformation.
They also praised the collaboration between the Ministry of Education and SUBEB in driving impactful reforms across the state.
Highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of school grant cheques to RCM Primary School, Ihugh in Vandeikya Local Government Area; UBE JSS Walomayo in Makurdi; and St. Francis Primary School, Otukpo, representing the three senatorial zones.
Motorcycles were also presented to Coordinating Education Secretaries on behalf of Quality Assurance Officers statewide.
