Benue SUBEB Chairman demands correction of defects in UBEC-funded school projects, as she inspects ongoing work

By Johnson Arua,

The Executive Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, has charged contractors handling Federal Government/Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) intervention projects in the state to address identified defects and ensure strict compliance with prescribed standards before the projects are formally handed over.

Dr. Adagba gave the charge on Friday during a media survey and inspection of classroom blocks, offices, laboratories and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities executed under the 2024 and 2025 FGN/UBEC Direct Intervention Projects at St. Francis Special Needs School, Vandeikya, and LGEA (NKST) Primary School, Moor.

According to a statement by the Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman on Corporate Communications and Community Engagements, Msughter Ataigbough, the inspection was aimed at assessing the quality and extent of work carried out under the intervention programme.

At St. Francis Special Needs School, Dr. Adagba appreciated the Federal Government and UBEC for the projects but expressed concern over shortages in furniture supply and some structural defects observed at the facility.

She insisted that the shortcomings must be corrected to meet the minimum standards required for basic education infrastructure, stressing that the state government would not compromise on quality.

The SUBEB Chairman, however, commended the contractor handling the project at LGEA (NKST) Primary School, Moor, Hovah West Africa Services, for delivering quality work that met expectations.

She observed that the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia remains committed to ensuring that public schools across the state are provided with standard infrastructure capable of supporting effective teaching and learning.

Responding to the observations made during the inspection, UBEC Project Supervisor, Engr. Yissa Yakubu, assured that all defects identified would be properly documented and addressed through the appropriate corrective processes.

Also speaking, the Education Secretary of Vandeikya Local Government Education Authority, Chief Mrs. Cecilia Tyogema, said the intervention projects had improved the learning environment and restored public confidence in the public school system.

She noted that the facilities had contributed to increased enrolment, particularly at the Special Needs School.

In separate remarks, the Vice Principal of St. Francis Special Needs School, Sister Dorathy Ejim, and the Headmaster of LGEA (NKST) Primary School, Moor, Mr. Iorlumun Terkimbi, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, UBEC and the Benue State Government for the interventions.

They said the projects had transformed previously dilapidated school environments, enhanced teaching and learning through the provision of modern facilities and instructional materials, and attracted more pupils to the schools.