Education : Alia promises to address challenges confronting Benue education system

By Titus Atondu, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has promised to fight and address all the ills faced by the educational system in the State.

Alia also noted the significant role played by  the State-owned university in the socio-economic and educational growth of the State

The Governor made his.position known in an address at the 30th Anniversary of the Benue State University, (BSU) held at the College of Health Sciences auditorium, (BSU) Makurdi.

Represented by the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Rev. Frederick Ikyaan, Governor Alia explained that it was for this reason that the government established the Benue State Quality Education Agency (BEQEA).

He pointed out  that BSU has attained great heights in its 30 years of existence and described BSU  as the ‘Jewel of the State.’

The Governor promised to sustain and propel the institution to heights, adding, “the government will give credible support to the university.”

Vice Chancellor, Benue State University, Prof. Tor Iorapuu, said the institution is celebrating boundless academic growth in 30 years.

He acknowledged the great strides the school has made, maintaining that its products are excelling in different fields globally.

“In the next 30 years we are expecting rapid growth. We should not be disillusioned because knowledge is power,” he said.

Guest Speaker and former Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Paul Sorkaa bemoaned inadequate funding of the university, stressing the need to increase Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the university.

He also decried lack of autonomy, stating  that the university should enjoy autonomy such that the VC should have power to engage and retain the best students in the university.

Prof. Sorkaa challenged Governor Alia to consolidate on the successes attained by the university in the last 30 years, appealing to him to extend payment of pension and gratuity to staff of the university as it will impact positively on their lives.