At least N6.4 billion has been earmarked by the Benue State Government for the provision of infrastructure in primary schools across the 23 local government areas of the state.
The state governor, Samuel Ortom stated this while receiving officials of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, who visited him at the Benue Peoples House over the weekend Governor Ortom stated that the Universal Basic Education Commission has provided a grant of N3.2 billion for the purpose while he has set aside the same amount as counterpart fund in the N5.6 billion approved by the State Assembly for payment of counterpart funds across the board.
He assured the teachers that the amount would be committed to the provision of infrastructure in primary schools across the state adding that he would also ensure that teachers were no longer maltreated. The governor apologized to the teachers for the ill treatment meted out to them in the past.
According to him, all monies meant for the provision of infrastructure, equipment and welfare would be judiciously applied, saying primary education as the most important level in education as it forms the foundation upon which the future of the child will be built. Leader of delegation and NUT chairman in the state, Comrade Godwin Anya commended Governor Ortom for commencing the implementation of minimum wage to teachers in the state.
“The teachers of Benue State are happy with you,” he stated, adding that they were also in support of the steps so he had taken so far with regard to security and welfare of workers. He listed delay in the payment of salaries, lack of promotions and nonpayment of leave title grant, as well as retirement and death benefits as well as poor environment in schools as problems.
