The National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), in collaboration with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Benue State Chapter, have commended the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia of carrying out sweeping reforms in the state’s education sector.
The State Chairman of NAPTAN, Chief Godwin Agbo who addressed newsmen on Thursday, noted that the Governor’s strides in the education sector has earned him resounding a endorsement, as he disclosed that both Associations have passed a vote of confidence on Alia’s administration.
Agbo explained that members of both associations across the 23 local government areas had closely monitored developments in the sector and were fully satisfied with the governor’s performance.
He said: “Governor Alia has performed creditably well and laid a solid foundation for a prosperous future through reforms that have redefined public education in the state including the improved supervision, monitoring and quality assurance across all departments in the education sector.”
He noted that the administration’s aggressive infrastructure drive had led to the construction of modern classroom blocks across the state, replacing dilapidated buildings and makeshift “under-the-tree” learning environments.
“The association was impressed by the administration’s infrastructure drive, which has seen the construction of modern classroom blocks across the 23 local government areas, replacing dilapidated structures and makeshift ‘under-the-tree’ learning environments.
“The recruitment of over 9,700 qualified teachers for Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) primary schools is a major intervention aimed at bridging manpower gaps and improving learning outcomes in public schools.”
NAPTAN further applauded the signing into law of the bill establishing the Benue Education Quality Assurance and Examinations Board, stressing that the new body would safeguard standards and strengthen accountability in the system.
The association noted that the board would ensure “high standards, accountability and effective monitoring of school performance across the state.”
The associations also praised the administration for prioritizing teachers’ welfare through the prompt payment of salaries and pensions.
“Also, under the current administration, welfare of our members have been prioritized through prompt payment of salaries and pensions which has boosted morale of educators and has repositioned public schools as hub for quality and sustainable knowledge acquisition,” Agbo said.
On tertiary education, he described the ongoing construction of the Benue State University of Agriculture Science and Technology (BUSAST) in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area, “as a strategic step toward expanding access to higher education and fostering innovation in agriculture.”
He added that “With the planned initiative to decongest Benue State University (BSU) through the establishment of satellite campuses and expansion of research facilities in the North-East and South Senatorial Districts, Governor Alia has shown a realistic determination towards revamping the educational fortunes of the state.”
The resumption of scholarship and bursary payments also drew commendation from the associations.
“The resuscitation of scholarship and bursary payments to deserving students in tertiary institutions has demonstrated the Governor’s commitment to empowering Benue youths through education and alleviating the burden of parents in financing the education of their children,” he stated.
They further welcomed the introduction of digital learning tools in public schools.
“We are equally satisfied with the introduction of digital learning tools, including smart boards and libraries in some public schools, as part of efforts to modernize the education system. These are credible innovations especially in an era driven by information technology and artificial intelligence as veritable learning tools.”
NAPTAN also applauded reforms aimed at easing financial pressure on parents, including the abolition of graduation ceremonies for nursery and primary pupils, compulsory after-school lessons, and the ban on specialized exercise books previously required to be purchased from schools.
According to the association, “the policies had reduced financial pressure on parents and ended an era of exploitation.”
In a major political boost, the groups pledged their “unalloyed support” for Governor Alia’s administration and his reelection bid in 2027. They also unanimously approved his nomination as Patron of NAPTAN, Benue State Chapter, describing him as a leader committed to restoring excellence and dignity to education in the state.