The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia has reshaped the landscape of basic education in the state. The Governor’s visionary leadership at the Basic Education sector has witnessed a profound transformation. Through his strategic direction and unwavering commitment, the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), under the stewardship of the Executive Chairman, Dr. Grace Adagba, has achieved remarkable milestones within just one year. These achievements are structured in subsectors as follows:
Human Resource Development and Welfare
Governor Alia’s administration prioritises the well-being and professional growth of educators: Extended retirement dates and approved promotions for teaching staff.
Ensured prompt payment of salaries and pensions for teachers and retirees.
The Governor has implemented a minimum wage of N75,000.00, which has significantly motivated public school teachers, improved their financial stability, and boosted their morale.
Approved the recruitment of over 9,000 teachers, a landmark initiative carried out through a transparent and unbiased Computer-Based Test (CBT) process, the first of its kind in the state.
Facilitated the training of teachers, Early Childhood Care and Development Education (ECCDE) caregivers, and Education Secretaries to enhance professional standards.
Undertook staff verification, automated the payroll system, and commenced payment of salary arrears for teachers.
Strengthened school security in collaboration with security agencies.
Infrastructure Development
Governor Alia’s administration has prioritised infrastructure as a cornerstone for educational development. To this end the administration has within the past one year of Dr. Grace Adagba’s stewardship at SUBEB successfully executed the following:
1. Construction of modern classrooms, digital and non-digital libraries, toilets, and boreholes.
2. Renovation and rehabilitation of existing schools.
3. Transformed the SUBEB headquarters with significant improvements such as:
a). Construction of a new office complex for the Executive Chairman.
b). Remodeling of seven office blocks and establishment of a Digital Resource Centre equipped with over 30 computers, solar power, and internet services.
c). Provision of a borehole for safe water supply.
d). Refurbishment of over 10 vehicles and landscaping of the premises, including fencing for enhanced security.
It is worthy of note that the administration has so far secured three years’ matching grants, resulting in the handover of over 100 school project sites to contractors which are at various levels of completion.
Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives
Governor Alia’s administration has championed initiatives to improve enrollment and inclusivity:
Increased enrollment in public schools through statewide advocacy campaigns.
Revived nursery sections in public primary schools.
Promoted girl-child education in 30 nomadic communities across the state.
Reduced the number of out-of-school children through community engagement programmes.
Reintroduced school farms under the Agricultural Education Training Programme (AETP) to blend learning with practical skills.
Academic Excellence
Governor Alia has placed a strong emphasis on academic excellence and innovation:
Introduced computer-based learning at UBEC Model Smart School, Makurdi.
Sponsored students to national and international competitions, achieving notable results:
Victory in a bilateral debate in Indonesia.
Second place in the President’s Schools Debate Nigeria.
Fourth place in the National JETS Quiz Competition.
Capacity Building
To enhance the quality of education delivery, Governor Alia facilitated:
Training programmes for head teachers, ECCDE caregivers, technical staff, and media personnel.
Specialised training for school support officers to improve school monitoring.
Awards and Recognitions
The outstanding achievements of the SUBEB Chairman, Dr. Grace Adagba has attracted national recognition, resulting in prestigious awards presented to her for outstanding performance. These awards include:
1. Distinguished Grassroots Leadership Award from the Presidency.
2. Best SUBEB in ICT Integration by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms.
3. GovTech Trailblazer Award by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms.
4. Best SUBEB Chairman in North-Central Nigeria by PSDN.
5. Trailblazer Award for Educational Leadership by the Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership.
As part of the Governor’s efforts to improve space science and astronomy in the state, the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in collaboration with the Center for Basic Space Science (CBSS) and the Astronomical Society of Nigeria (ASN), carried out a space and astronomy outreach program in basic schools across the state through the “Catch Them Young” project. The Executive Chairman’s dedication to space science and astronomy over the years earned her a fellowship in the society.
These achievements of the Governor’s purposeful and focused leadership under the stewardship of Dr. Grace Adagba demonstrated Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s unwavering dedication to revitalising the basic education sector in Benue State, and fostering a brighter future for the children of the state.
– Iorpev is Technical Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication
