Benue SUBEB Extends Enrollment Drive to Zone C, Targets Increased Public School Enrollment

The Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has expanded its Enrollment Drive Campaign and Sensitization Programme to Benue Geo-Political Zone C, following its successful launch in Makurdi for Zone B. The event, held at Leach Hotel Otukpo, attracted a wide array of stakeholders, including parents, teachers, traditional leaders, and religious leaders, all focused on boosting public school enrollment for the upcoming academic session.

The campaign, which aims to cover all three senatorial zones, seeks to significantly increase enrollment in public schools across the state. Dr. Grace Adagba, Executive Chairman of SUBEB, highlighted the importance of embracing the free and compulsory basic education provided by public schools, which has been revitalized under Governor Alia’s administration. She urged parents to take advantage of the improvements made to benefit children in the state.

In a statement released by SUBEB Information Officer Emmanuella Akese, Dr. Adagba expressed concern over the underutilization of public schools despite efforts to make education compulsory. She announced plans to recruit 9,700 teachers to enhance the quality of education in the state and noted that public primary school teachers in Benue receive quarterly training from experts in collaboration with donor agencies like UNICEF.

“It is our priority and desire that all public schools in Benue are adequately enrolled and equipped. The governor has recently announced the recruitment of more teachers into our basic schools to further enhance the quality of education, in addition to those already trained and retrained by both federal and state governments,” Dr. Adagba stated.

Reverend (Dr) Frederick Ikyaan, Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, voiced concern about the high number of out-of-school children in Benue State and called for collective action from all stakeholders to ensure children receive a quality education that prepares them for the future. He emphasized that the enrollment drive campaign is critical to unlocking potential and building a prosperous society.

During a courtesy visit to the O’chi Idoma, His Royal Majesty Dr. John Elaigwu Odogbo praised the campaign as timely and pledged to partner with SUBEB to encourage parents to enroll their children in public schools. He commended Dr. Adagba for her efforts and assured that the Idoma Traditional Council would support the enrollment drive.

In a presentation titled “Free Compulsory Basic Education for All Children: The Role of Parents and the Community,” Dr. Jackson Odey of Benue State University Makurdi underscored the complementary role of parents in ensuring their children access basic education, alongside the government’s responsibility of providing it.

Additional presenters, including Dr. Nasela Pila, Dr. Peter Akpen, and Ruth Kwaghkaha, urged parents and guardians to enroll their children in Early Childhood Care Development Education (ECCDE) Centres, Public Primary Schools, and Junior Secondary Schools.

Traditional leaders, religious leaders, community groups, principals, headteachers, and education managers from the nine local government areas in the zone attended the sensitization campaign, all rallying around the initiative to enhance educational outcomes in Benue State.