BENUE STATE SCHOOLS CRISIS DEEPENS AS NEWLY RECRUITED TEACHERS FAIL TO ADDRESS DECADES OF NEGLECT

Despite Benue State’s recruitment of over 9,000 primary school teachers and allocating about 15 per cent of its 2025 budget to education, many schools across the state lack structures, classrooms and active teaching staff. Visits to schools in Logo, Ukum, and Ogbadibo Local Government Areas revealed thousands of children in rural communities are denied proper education.

NKST Primary School, Pagher in Logo, established in 1976, has no building; classes haven’t held due lack of shelter. Head teacher Gregory Jigba said “I cannot gather pupils anymore. There is no shelter.” Parent Kaanan Toryina withdrew six children; “This school is heart of our community. Without it, no hope.”

LGEA Primary School, Abeda-Shitile, Logo, had classrooms with roof blown off; children sat on dusty floors in temporary shed. Parent Saater Uchigh enrolled kids in private school; “I spend over half income on fees. Feeding struggle.”

In Ukum’s Aterayange Ward, Torov, pupils attended classes under grass hut with wooden poles, exposed to elements, no desks. Community member Abur Torhile warned “When children left without classrooms and teachers, they turn streets…get recruited armed groups.”

Ogbadibo Local Government schools were deserted. LGEA Primary School, Ugbugbu, classrooms littered droppings, lizards crawling; Ikpochi school collapsed, empty. Agada Godwim withdrew three kids; “Not school anymore. No teachers, furniture, buildings falling.”

Governor Hyacinth Alia’s 2025 budget allocated N82.5 billion to education (15% of N550.1 billion), more than double 2024’s N33.8 billion, still short UNESCO’s 20% benchmark. Parents, teachers said problem is implementation. “Hear figures yearly, what difference?” a teacher asked.

Stephen Imanche summed “Government schools dead here. If can’t pay private fees, child won’t go school. Recruitment teachers means nothing no school teach.” Parents struggle private fees; some borrow, others withdraw kids. Communities call urgent intervention classrooms, materials, teachers.