*Benue Govt uncovers, shutdown over 4000 illegal/substandard schools
*Says it’s part of Governor Alia’s efforts to stabilize education sector
*That the Governor’s efforts has also ensured no strikes in education sector due to non payment of salaries
*Reveals that Governor Alia also empowered over 9,700 teachers to energize public primary schools
By Sunday Ogli, Makurdi
Over 4000 substandard and illegal schools have been uncovered and ready to be shut down across the state.
This was disclosed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Benue State Governor, Tersoo Kula at a press conference in Makurdi on Thursday.
Kula said mushroom schools were not conducive for learning and they do not have qualified teachers, adding that the Governor Hyacinth Alia administration has stabilised the educational sector since coming on board two years ago.
His words, “No more strike. Schools are moving on smoothly and in a bid to bring teaching and learning closer to the people and address the problem of younger school leavers in securing admission into tertiary institutions, the governor has established a new university.
“The establishment of the University of Agriculture at Ihugh, Vandeikyaa LGA is real. The governor has secured the licence, acquired and made appointments of principal officers.
“This is to address the issue of providing admission for the teeming Benue indigenes seeking admission into Nigeria universities.
“The Governor has employed over 9700 teachers to energize public primary schools in the state. Apart from the fact that our primary schools would be energized, 9700 youths have been taken off the streets.
“The government of Governor Alia has also paid l the 38 months earned allowance l owed lecturers at the Benue State University Makurdi”.
He maintained that renovation of government secondary schools and colleges across the state are ongoing and construction of new structures in some public primary and secondary schools to ensure conducive learning environment.
“Public primary schools teachers are trained on ICTs to enhance the teaching and learning of information and technology innovations at elementary level.
“This government has been able to identify over 4000 substandard schools in the state and have secured insurance cover for Benue State students and paid bursary allowances in law school students in the state”, Kula stated..
