By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Executive Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, has inspected ongoing Federal Government/Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) intervention projects in Vandeikya Local Government Area, LGA, of the state, expressing satisfaction with the overall progress while demanding immediate correction of identified defects.

The inspection covered classroom blocks, offices, laboratories and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities executed under the 2024 and 2025 UBEC Direct Intervention Projects at St. Francis Special Needs School, Vandeikya, and LGEA (NKST) Primary School, Moor.

A statement by the Special Assistant to the SUBEB Executive Chairman on Corporate Communications and Community Engagements, Msughter Ataigbough, said the exercise formed part of efforts to improve infrastructure and learning conditions in basic education across Benue State.

Speaking during the inspection at St. Francis Special Needs School, Dr. Adagba said the visit was aimed at assessing the quality and scope of work ahead of the formal handover of the projects to the Benue State Government.

While commending the Federal Government and UBEC for the interventions, she expressed concern over shortages in furniture supply and some structural defects observed at the facility.

She explained that “the inspection is to assess the quality and extent of work executed ahead of the formal handover of the projects to the Benue State Government” adding that the identified shortcomings must be addressed to ensure the projects meet prescribed minimum standards.

At LGEA (NKST) Primary School, Moor, the SUBEB chairman commended the contractor, Hovah West Africa Services, for delivering quality work, noting that the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia remained committed to maintaining minimum standards in basic education infrastructure across the state.

Also speaking, UBEC Project Supervisor, Yissa Yakubu, assured stakeholders that “all observations and defects identified during the survey will be properly documented and addressed through the appropriate corrective processes.”

The Education Secretary of Vandeikya Local Government Education Authority, Mrs. Cecilia Tyogema, lauded the Federal Government and UBEC interventions, saying they had helped restore public confidence in the public school system.

According to her, the projects have significantly improved the learning environment and boosted school enrolment, particularly at the Special Needs School.

In separate remarks, the Vice Principal of St. Francis Special Needs School, Sister Dorathy Ejim, and the Headmaster of LGEA (NKST) Primary School, Moor, Mr. Iorlumun Terkimbi, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, UBEC and the Benue State Government for the interventions.

They said the projects had transformed previously dilapidated learning environments, enhanced teaching and learning through the provision of modern facilities and instructional materials, and contributed to increased enrolment in the schools.