Benue Government Launches a ₦150 Million School Grant Scheme

Benue State has introduced a N150 million School Grant Scheme to support public schools throughout the state, while also distributing motorcycles to Quality Assurance Officers in all 23 local government areas.

The programme was launched on Monday at the headquarters of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in Makurdi, as part of a broader effort to improve school management and strengthen monitoring, particularly in rural communities.

Deputy Governor Sam Ode, standing in for Governor Hyacinth Alia, described education as the most valuable investment a government can make. He said the initiative would enhance learning conditions, improve school administration, and enable more effective supervision of schools through the provision of motorcycles to Quality Assurance Officers.

Ode added that the intervention aligns with the World Bank‑backed HOPE Education Grant and noted that Benue is among the states implementing major reforms in the education sector.

During the ceremony, SUBEB Executive Chairman Grace Adagba highlighted the programme as a key intervention by the Alia administration to address operational difficulties faced by public schools.

She explained that every Headmaster and Principal in the state will receive N50,000 monthly under the scheme to cover items such as stationery, continuous assessment materials, first aid supplies, utility bills, and minor repairs.

Adagba said the initiative reflects the government’s determination to sustain free and compulsory basic education across Benue State and cautioned school administrators against collecting illegal levies from parents and pupils, warning that any Headmaster or Principal found guilty would be sanctioned.

In their goodwill messages, Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management Margaret Adamu and UBEC State Coordinator Idzi Baba Emmanuel praised the Alia administration for prioritising educational growth and fostering cooperation between the Ministry of Education and SUBEB.

As part of the event, symbolic school grant cheques were presented to RCM Primary School Ihugh in Vandeikya, UBE JSS Walomayo in Makurdi, and St. Francis Primary School in Otukpo, representing the three senatorial districts of the state.

Motorcycles were likewise handed over to Coordinating Education Secretaries on behalf of Quality Assurance Officers across Benue State.