Benue SUBEB Implements Basic 9 National Education Policy

The Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has officially launched the implementation of the new Basic 9 national education policy. Dr. Grace Adagba, the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, announced the initiative during a recent radio program on Radio Benue, titled “On the Line”.

The new policy mandates that students will now receive their First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) after completing nine years of basic education, rather than the previous six years. This shift aims to enhance the educational trajectory and provide a more comprehensive learning experience for students.

Dr. Adagba highlighted that SUBEB is dedicated to improving educational quality through modern infrastructure and updated instructional materials. She emphasized an ongoing enrolment campaign designed to ensure that all school-age children are enrolled in line with the state’s free and compulsory basic education policy.

The importance of Early Childhood Care, Development, and Education (ECCDE) was also underscored. Adagba encouraged parents to enroll children as young as two years old in ECCDE centers, which function as nursery schools providing foundational education.

Further, Dr. Adagba discussed SUBEB’s collaboration with international organizations like UNICEF, which supports the board by providing training and materials for ECCDE centers. The partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) focuses on rehabilitating street children and equipping them with essential life skills.

Assuring the public of the quality of education, Adagba confirmed that all public-school teachers in Benue State possess at least a National Certificate in Education (NCE), ensuring high standards in basic education.