The Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has announced that public schools in Benue State are staffed with some of the most qualified teachers in Nigeria. This statement was made by Emmanuella Akese, the Information Officer of SUBEB, during a recent campaign for school enrollment and sensitization in the Benue North West senatorial district.
The campaign aims to encourage parents to enroll their children in Early Childhood Care Development Education Centres, as well as in public primary and junior secondary schools. This initiative is part of a broader effort to boost school enrollment and promote the benefits of public education in the state.
Dr. Grace Adagba, the Executive Chairman of Benue SUBEB, called on community members and stakeholders to take advantage of the campaign to support and promote education in public schools. She highlighted that Benue’s basic education schools are supported by various donor agencies, including UNICEF, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and the Benue State Government, ensuring that quality education is provided free of charge.
“I am proud to say that, at present, public schools in Benue have some of the most qualified teachers you can find. We are in an era where every public school teacher is punctual and committed to their duties,” Dr. Adagba said.
The sensitization campaign is expected to be extended to other regions of the state to ensure a wider impact and encourage more parents to send their children to school.
During the event, Professor Nyamngee Amase from the University of Ilorin presented a paper on the importance of free and compulsory education for all children in Benue. He stressed the vital role that education plays in shaping the moral values of students and shared his personal experience as a product of public schools, underscoring the benefits of public education.
Dr. Nasela Pila from Benue State University, Makurdi, also spoke at the event, discussing the opportunities for access to quality education in public schools in Benue. She highlighted the various advantages that public education offers to students and the community.
Mrs. Ruth Kwaghkaha, in her presentation on Early Childhood Care Development Education (ECCDE), emphasized the importance of early childhood education and urged parents to enroll their young children in public schools to lay a strong educational foundation.
The event was officially opened by the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Frederick Ikyaan, who was represented by Permanent Secretary Mr. Agbo Ochekpa. Dr. Ikyaan stressed that ensuring education for all children is a collective responsibility and called on all sectors of society to support this goal.
In addition to the presentations, several stakeholders expressed their support for the campaign. Idzi Baba Emmanuel, the UBEC State Coordinator, commended SUBEB for organizing the event, while HRH Chief Dominic Akpe, Ter Gwer; Rev. Dr. Gire; NUT Chairman Comrade Levi Akuma; and Chief Imam of Benue State, Dr. Suleiman Habib, all praised the initiative and encouraged parents to take advantage of the opportunities provided by public schools.
The event also featured a testimony from Sonia Aduba, a student at Arabic Junior Secondary School in Makurdi, who shared how attending a public school has positively impacted her life. Her story reinforced the importance of basic education and the positive role public schools play in the lives of students in Benue State.
