Benue State Government Takes Proactive Steps to Ensure Safe Learning Environments, Identifies Over 2,400 Unapproved Schools

The Benue State Government has taken a significant step toward ensuring the safety and quality of education for its citizens by identifying over 2,416 unapproved schools across the state. This initiative, led by the Director-General of the Benue State Education Quality Assurance (BEQA), Dr. Terna Francis, was announced during a meeting with education stakeholders, school proprietors, and relevant authorities.

The meeting focused on the state’s plans to enforce strict adherence to building standards, including the potential demolition of non-compliant structures to prevent any future incidents of building collapse. This is particularly crucial in light of recent tragedies in Abuja and Plateau State.

Dr. Francis emphasized that the government’s priority is to safeguard lives by ensuring that all schools operate in safe and approved environments. “Our first step is to sensitize stakeholders on the importance of adhering to established building standards. We want to give operators time to transition to better facilities, ensuring no lives are at risk. The Urban Development Board has asked for building plans to be submitted by the end of September,” he explained.

So far, 150 schools have been cleared and issued certificates of consent, with the government calling on others to follow suit. The names of unapproved schools have been published on the BEQA website and shared with the National Association of Proprietors of Schools (NAPS) to ensure transparency and accountability.

The General Manager of the Benue State Urban Development Board (BSUDB), Ternongo Mede, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to removing substandard structures. He shared his concerns after a recent inspection of schools in Makurdi’s North Bank area, where a potentially dangerous building was identified. “We are committed to taking down these unsafe structures to protect our children,” Mede stated.

Meanwhile, the State Chairman of NAPS, Sunday Ojo, has appealed for the government to provide sufficient time for schools to meet the required standards, acknowledging the challenges of establishing and maintaining schools, especially in rural areas. He also raised concerns about the impact of multiple taxation on educational institutions and urged for fair treatment across different regions.