…Re-Emphasizes free basic education
The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has launched the Building Rights to Access and Compulsory Education for Un-enrolled Pupils (BRACE-UP) Project in the state.
Speaking during the launch which was part of the maiden edition of the Benue Basic Education Summit held at the College of Health Sciences Auditorium, Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi , the Governor said it was geared towards ensuring that the Benue Child, irrespective of religious, cultural or economic factors, has access to quality education.
He explained that the BRACE-UP Project is aimed at mobilising community leaders, parents, and teachers to identify out-of-school children, create flexible learning pathways, and track each learner’s progress from enrollment to completion.
‘The BRACE-UP Project is a sustainable evidence based strategy to ensure every Benue child is enrolled,” the Governor stated.
Speaking further, the Governor, who also re-emphasized free education in all government public schools beginning from Basic One to Nine said his administration, which has recruited over 9,700 teachers, consistently paid salaries, and implemented the harmonized retirement age for teachers, is determined to ensure that no child of school age is left out of school.
Governor Alia therefore
called on parents, traditional and religious leaders, as well as other stakeholders to join hands with his administration in enforcing the free and compulsory basic education, saying the future of the state depended on the children and it behoved the leaders to prepare them towards a greater Benue adding that Benue State, under his leadership, will continue to ensure catalytic funding as well as policy regulations that mirror the UBE Act and prioritize compulsory, free basic education for the Benue child.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of a ‘Golden Globe Award for Education and Teacher Friendliness’ to the Governor in recognition of his achievements in the education sector by the National leadership of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), led by the National President, Comrade Audu Titus Amba.
The theme for the maiden edition of the Benue Basic Education Summit is: Innovative Strategies for Addressing the Menace of Out-Of-School Children: Enhancing Enrollment and Retention of Children in Basic Schools.
