By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Executive Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, is leading key finance personnel of the Board in a 3-day International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) Accrual Basis Training.

A statement by the Information Officer of the Board, Emmanuella Akese explained that the training, organised by the Centre for Economic Reform Initiative, is aimed at strengthening fiscal transparency, deepening accountability, and promoting technology-driven financial management within the public sector.

Participants at the workshop include SUBEB’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Internal Auditor, and the Matching Grant Desk Officer, all of whom play central roles in managing counterpart funding for UBEC intervention projects across the 23 Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs).

Speaking during a plenary session, Dr. Adagba highlighted the importance of IPSAS in improving financial accuracy and access to funds for basic education development.

“With IPSAS, we are better equipped to manage UBEC accounts accurately, ensure proper documentation, and meet all requirements for timely release of counterpart funding. This means quicker and more effective execution of projects in basic education schools,” she stated.

Dr. Adagba also commended the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for his unwavering support to the basic education sector, especially in ensuring prompt release of counterpart funds.

“Because of the Governor’s support, we are now able to execute modern facilities in schools, storey-building classroom blocks, furniture, digital and non-digital libraries, water and sanitation projects, smart boards, and the transition from chalkboards to whiteboards. These improvements are transforming the learning environment for our children.”

The training is expected to significantly enhance SUBEB’s capacity to manage funds efficiently and sustain the rollout of UBEC-assisted projects across Benue State.