By Paul Aondoakaa 

The Benue State Government has officially launched the Benue School Grant Scheme and distributed motorcycles to Quality Assurance Officers across the state’s 23 local government areas. Officials said the initiative is aimed at improving school administration, strengthening monitoring systems, and supporting free basic education.

The Benue State Government on Monday flagged off the Benue School Grant Scheme and distributed mobility aids to Quality Assurance Officers during a ceremony held at the headquarters of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board.

Speaking during the event, Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Grace Adagba, described the initiative as a major intervention by the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia aimed at improving operational sustainability in schools.

According to Dr. Adagba, the state government has released ₦150 million under the programme, with each Headmaster and Principal expected to receive ₦50,000 monthly to cater for school operational needs including stationery, continuous assessment materials, first aid supplies, utilities and minor maintenance.

She stated that the initiative reinforces the government’s policy on free and compulsory education and warned that school administrators who impose unauthorised levies on pupils or parents would face sanctions.

Flagging off the programme on behalf of Governor Alia, Deputy Governor Sam Ode said education remains one of government’s most strategic investments.

He noted that the initiative is expected to strengthen school administration, improve learning conditions and support monitoring activities in rural communities through the provision of motorcycles to Quality Assurance Officers.

According to the Deputy Governor, the programme aligns with the World Bank-supported HOPE Education Grant initiative and forms part of broader education reform efforts in the state.

In separate goodwill messages, Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, and UBEC State Coordinator, Idzi Baba Emmanuel, commended the administration’s efforts towards improving education delivery and strengthening collaboration between the ministry and SUBEB.

Highlights of the event included symbolic presentation of school grant cheques to schools representing the three senatorial zones: RCM Primary School, Ihugh (Vandeikya); UBE JSS Walomayo (Makurdi); and St. Francis Primary School (Otukpo).

Motorcycles were also presented to Coordinating Education Secretaries on behalf of Quality Assurance Officers across the state.

The information was contained in a statement issued by Msughter J. Ataigbough, Special Adviser to the Executive Chairman on Corporate Communications and Community Engagements.