Benue SUBEB seeks UBEC’s backing to strengthen basic education

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has called for enhanced collaboration between the State and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to improve basic education in the state.

The Executive Chairman, Dr. Grace Adagba, made the appeal when she visited UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, in Abuja.

The visit which was aimed at updating the UBEC boss on ongoing reforms in Benue’s basic education sector also provided an avenue for the Dr. Adagba to explore opportunities for further support.

SUBEB chairman used the opportunity to highlight key projects undertaken by the Board, including new school constructions, renovations, water and sanitation improvements, quality assurance measures, and the enhancement of the Agricultural Education Training Programme (AETP).

This is even as she told the UBEC Executive Secretary that the creation of three new Departments; Physical Planning and Technical Services, Teacher Development, and Digital Resource Centre in the Benue SUBEB was already yielding results with improved efficiency.

While emphasising the commitment of Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, to strengthening basic education, Adagba highlighted the Board’s achievements within the past one year to include automation of payroll system, conduct of Staff verification exercise, recruitment of teachers through a Computer-Based Test (CBT) system, and accessing two years’ worth of matching grants.

Other achievements highlighted include the construction of hostels at Smart School at Adaka, Makurdi, the facilitation of the boarding school system and the procurement of a Hummer bus for quality assurance monitoring as well as remodeling and construction of office blocks, interlocking of the Board Headquarters among others.

Dr. Adagba requested for UBEC’s intervention in ensuring that teachers’ salaries are directly paid to them by the Federal Government when Local Government autonomy takes effect to prevent salary delays.

“I want to appeal for the approval of the use of matching grant funds to construct a teacher training centre. The Governor has already allocated land for this project which is key in the training and retraining of teachers.

“It is important to also appeal here that UBEC should consider increasing the budgetary allocation for project monitoring and quality assurance from 2% to 4% and assist us in accessing World Bank interventions to enhance educational development in Benue,” she appealed.

UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, commended Dr. Adagba for her well-packaged presentation and lauded her dedication to improving basic education in Benue State.

She acknowledged the concerns regarding teachers’ salaries under Local Government autonomy, stating that discussions with other SUBEB bosses across the Nation would help UBEC determine a way forward on the issue.

On the request for a teacher training centre, she advised the SUBEB Executive Chairman to formally submit a request detailing the need for the project and assured that UBEC’s Management would review the budgetary allocation for monitoring and quality assurance to create a more flexible funding formula for States.

On the World Bank interventions, the Executive Secretary pledged to connect Dr. Adagba with the necessary contacts for further engagement.

Also speaking, the Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical) of UBEC, Prof. Bala Zakari, also commended Governor Alia’s proactive approach to basic education, recalling that the Governor had visited UBEC shortly after assuming office to discuss strategies for improving the sector.

He affirmed UBEC’s management would deliberate on the requests made by Benue SUBEB for possible action.

Highlight of the visit was the presentation of traditional Benue attire to the UBEC Executive Secretary as a symbol of solidarity and partnership.

Dr. Adagba was accompanied on the visit by Key Benue SUBEB officials, including the Board Secretary, Dr. Joseph Jande; Director of Quality Assurance, Hilejime Joel; Director of Academic Services, Mrs. Esther Unande; Director of Teacher Development, Dr. Margaret Ugba; and Procurement Officer, Dr. Shimadoo Mtswenen.