Governor Alia’s Administration Enhances Education Infrastructure Through JICA Partnership
The Benue State Government is strengthening public school infrastructure through a strategic partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This collaboration, championed by Governor Hyacinth Alia, aims to improve learning environments across the state.
The Executive Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, along with senior Board members, welcomed JICA’s Basic Education Advisor, Dr. Kusakabe Hikaru, and his team to Benue for a data collection survey. The survey is part of preparations for a Grant Aid Project to support school construction and ensure the smooth execution of JICA’s Effective School Programme (ESP) in the state.
Dr. Adagba expressed gratitude to JICA for selecting Benue as a priority state for intervention. She emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing education infrastructure and requested the inclusion of SUBEB’s Teachers and Learners Training Centre in JICA’s project implementation plan. The proposed two-story facility will house a digital training hub, teacher accommodations, and conference facilities.
JICA’s Basic Education Advisor, Dr. Kusakabe Hikaru, praised the serene environment of the SUBEB headquarters and reaffirmed JICA’s dedication to supporting education in Benue. He announced that the Grant Aid Project would focus on St. Theresa’s Primary School, Makurdi, a key Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Effective School Programme Centre in the state.
JICA has previously supported Benue SUBEB through the Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education (SMASE) Program, with Benue remaining a priority state alongside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nasarawa.
During the visit, the JICA team toured St. Theresa’s Primary School, observing pupils engaging in digital learning with iPads. They expressed satisfaction with the integration of technology in classrooms, further reinforcing the impact of Governor Alia’s education reforms.
The visit concluded with the presentation of the SUBEB Teachers and Learners Training Centre design, a tour of the SUBEB Digital Resource Centre, and the decoration of the JICA delegation in Benue traditional attire, showcasing the state’s hospitality and appreciation.
Governor Alia’s administration remains steadfast in its mission to improve education infrastructure and provide quality learning opportunities for students, ensuring that Benue remains a leader in basic education development.
