FIC Report (Benue State) – The Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has declared free education in all government public schools from Basic One to Basic Nine, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive and compulsory basic education.
The Governor made the declaration at the maiden edition of the Benue Basic Education Summit held at the College of Health Sciences, Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi.
Governor Alia stated that his administration has already recruited over 9,700 teachers, ensured consistent payment of salaries, and implemented the harmonized retirement age for teachers.
He emphasized that the decision to make education free from Basic One to Nine is aimed at protecting the poor and vulnerable while laying a solid foundation for future leaders of the state.
According to him, no child of school age should be left out of the classroom. He therefore called on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to support the enforcement of free and compulsory basic education across Benue State.
Launch of BRACE-UP Project
At the summit, the Governor also launched the landmark initiative titled Building Rights to Access and Compulsory Education for Un-enrolled Pupils (BRACE-UP). The project is designed as a sustainable and evidence-based strategy to ensure that every Benue child is enrolled, retained, and empowered through quality basic education.
He explained that BRACE-UP will mobilize community leaders, parents, and teachers to identify out-of-school children, create flexible learning pathways, and track learners’ progress from enrolment to completion.
The Governor assured that his administration will continue to provide catalytic funding and policy frameworks aligned with the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act to guarantee compulsory and free basic education.
NUT Honours Governor with Golden Award
In recognition of his contributions to education, the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), led by Comrade Audu Titus Amba, presented Governor Alia with a Golden Award for Education and Teacher Friendliness.
The union noted that the award validates the administration’s efforts in revitalizing basic education across Benue State.
In his response, Governor Alia expressed gratitude for the honour and pledged to pay one month’s arrears owed to retired teachers. He reaffirmed his commitment to teachers’ welfare, stating:
“You have taught me and I won’t cheat you.”
Signed
IRENE IVEREN ONEHI
Head of Center FIC Makurdi
