The Benue State Government has flagged off the Benue School Grant Scheme and distributed motorcycles to Quality Assurance Officers across the 23 Local Government Areas. Beneficiaries were charged to utilize the resources responsibly to improve learning outcomes in schools.
The ceremony, held on Monday, at the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) headquarters in Makurdi, marked another step in the state’s drive to strengthen basic education and improve school administration.
Flagging off the programme on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Alia, the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Dr. Sam Ode, described education as the greatest investment any government can make. He stressed that the initiative would enhance effective school management, improve learning conditions, and strengthen monitoring, especially in rural communities.
He noted that providing motorcycles to Quality Assurance Officers would enhance the supervision and monitoring of schools across the state. He added that the programme aligns with the World Bank-supported HOPE Education Grant initiative and positions Benue among the leading states implementing educational reforms.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Adamu, admonished beneficiaries of the school grants and mobility aids to use the resources responsibly, transparently, and strictly for the advancement of education in the state.
Dr. Adamu reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to policy formulation, institutional coordination, and strategic oversight to ensure accessible and quality education across Benue State. She stated that the ministry would continue to collaborate closely with SUBEB to drive reforms, improve learning conditions, and strengthen accountability within schools.
The commissioner commended Governor Alia for what she described as deliberate and practical steps toward achieving quality education in the state. She also appreciated the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Dr. Grace Adagba, for her dedication and purposeful leadership.
She expressed optimism that the school grants would help schools meet immediate operational needs, reduce undue financial pressure on parents, and create a more conducive environment for teaching and learning.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Dr. Grace Adagba, described the School Grant Initiative as a visionary intervention introduced by Governor Alia to address operational challenges facing schools across the state.
Dr. Adagba disclosed that the state government had released ₦150 million for the scheme. She explained that each Headmaster and Principal would receive ₦50,000 monthly to cover stationery, continuous assessment materials, first aid supplies, utilities, and minor maintenance works.
According to her, the initiative further demonstrates the government’s commitment to free and compulsory basic education in the state.
She, however, warned Headmasters and Principals against imposing illegal levies on pupils and parents, stressing that defaulters would face appropriate sanctions.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of school grant cheques to RCM Primary School, Ihugh, in Vandeikya Local Government Area; UBE Junior Secondary School, Walomayo, Makurdi; and St. Francis Primary School, Otukpo, representing the three senatorial zones of the state.
Motorcycles were also presented to Coordinating Education Secretaries on behalf of Quality Assurance Officers across the state.
