BENUE SUBEB HOLDS ENROLMENT DRIVE CAMPAIGN AND SENSITIZATION PROGRAMME IN BENUE ZONE B

The Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) today in Makurdi,conducted an Enrollment Drive Campaign and Sensitization Programme across Benue's Geo-Political Zone B. The event aimed to encourage parents to enroll their children in Early Childhood Care Development Education Centres, Public Primary, and Junior Secondary Schools. In a welcome address, Dr. Grace Adagba, the Executive Chairman of Benue SUBEB, urged participants and stakeholders to take this opportunity to promote education in public schools. She emphasized that Basic Education Schools in Benue are supported by donor agencies such as UNICEF, UBEC, and the State Government, providing quality education free of charge.

Dr. Adagba highlighted the quality of education in public schools, stating, "I am proud to say that, at present, public schools have the most qualified teachers you can find. We are in an era where every public school teacher is punctual and committed to their duties." She also assured that the sensitization programme would be extended to other zones to ensure statewide impact.

Prof. Nyamngee Amase from the University of Ilorin delivered the lead paper on "Free and Compulsory Education for All Benue Children: The Role of Parents and Immediate Communities." He emphasized the importance of education and the moral values it instills, sharing his personal experience as a product of public schools.

Dr. Nasela Pila from Benue State University, Makurdi, spoke on "Unveiling Opportunities for Access to Quality Education in Public Schools in Benue State," highlighting the benefits of public education. Mrs. Ruth Kwaghkaha's presentation on "Advocacy for Early Childhood Care Development Education (ECCDE)" stressed the importance of Early Childhood Education and urged parents to enroll their children in public schools.

While declaring the Programme open, The Honourable Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Frederick Ikyaan, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr. Agbo Ochekpa said education for all,is the collective responsibility of all Stakeholders, he solicited for the active support of all sectors of the Society.

In their separate Goodwill messages,the Universal Basic Education Commission ( UBEC ) State Coordinator , Idzi Baba Emmanuel, commended SUBEB for organizing the event. Other stakeholders, including HRH Chief Dominic Akpe, Ter Gwer; Rev. Dr. Gire; NUT Chairman Comrade Levi Akuma; and Chief Imam of Benue State, Dr. Suleiman Habib, lauded the initiative and called on parents to support the programme.

A testimony by Sonia Aduba, student of Arabic Junior Secondary School, Makurdi, highlighted the positive impact of public schools on students'''' lives, reinforcing the importance of basic education in the State.