By Peter Duru, MAKURDI

The Benue State Government has commenced the distribution of teaching and learning materials donated by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to public basic education schools across the state. 

Performing the flag-off at the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) headquarters in Makurdi, on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Alia, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, described basic education as the foundation of human development and a critical pillar for sustainable growth in the education sector. 

“Basic education remains the bedrock of child development and the foundation upon which all other levels of education are built. The provision of adequate teaching and learning materials is non-negotiable if we must achieve quality education outcomes,” Ode said. 

He noted that the distribution of the materials reflects Governor Alia’s firm commitment to advancing basic education in Benue State, adding that the state government has complemented UBEC’s intervention with additional resources such as dusters, markers and whiteboards. 

According to the Deputy Governor, the administration has demonstrated strong political will in repositioning the education sector through the regular payment of counterpart funds, construction and rehabilitation of classrooms, recruitment of over 9,000 teachers, provision of teaching aids, and strengthened partnerships with UBEC and development agencies.

Dr. Ode however warned Education Secretaries against diverting the materials, stressing that they must be delivered strictly to the public schools for which they were intended warning that “any diversion of these materials will attract appropriate sanctions.” 

The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha Garba, represented by the UBEC North Central Director, Elder Edward Abalaka, commended the Benue State Government for its consistency in collaborating with the Commission. 

“The absence of essential teaching and learning materials undermines effective education delivery,” she said, praising the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Dr. Grace Adagba, for repositioning the Board for greater efficiency.