Reasons Benue State Government Plans to Close and Demolish Thousands of Schools
The Benue State government has announced a significant initiative to address the safety of educational institutions within the state. Over 2,000 public and private schools are at risk of closure and demolition due to concerns about their structural integrity.
Dr. Terna Francis, the Director-General of the Benue State Education Quality Assurance (BEQA), revealed these plans during a meeting at BEQA’s headquarters in Makurdi. He emphasized that many schools have failed to meet essential building standards, posing serious safety hazards.
Dr. Francis underscored the urgency of this measure, citing recent tragedies such as a school building collapse in Plateau State, which resulted in the deaths of students and teachers. This incident highlighted the critical need for adherence to building regulations to prevent similar disasters.
The BEQA is taking steps to ensure that schools comply with established standards. Institutions with structures that cannot pass integrity tests conducted by the Urban Development Board will face mandatory closure.
Many schools in Benue are reportedly operating without proper approvals, creating an environment where substandard institutions hinder the development of quality educational facilities. The government has identified 2,416 unapproved schools, with only 150 out of over 6,000 schools having received the necessary certificates of consent.
Dr. Francis has urged parents to transfer their children from these substandard schools to those that meet quality standards. A list of non-compliant schools has been published online and shared with the National Association of Proprietors of Schools (NAPS). The government is also considering an investigation into how these schools received their operational approvals.
Although immediate demolitions are not planned, schools have until the end of September to present their building plans for review. The General Manager of the Benue State Urban Development Board, Town Planner Ternongo Mede, noted that while demolitions are imminent, the current focus is on raising awareness and providing time for compliance.
Mr. Sunday Ojo, Chairman of NAPS in Benue State, expressed appreciation for the government’s proactive stance and requested additional time for school proprietors to meet the required standards. He also highlighted concerns about multiple taxes imposed on schools.
Rev. Fr. Peter Apagher, Director of Catholic Education Services in Makurdi Diocese, acknowledged the government’s efforts and reaffirmed the commitment of Catholic schools to supporting quality education. He requested a gradual implementation process to allow schools to comply fully.
Hajia Zainab Adamu Usman, Head of the Education Unit at the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations of Nigeria (FOMWAN), commended the governor for revitalizing the education sector in Benue State and expressed support for the initiative.
The Benue State government’s actions signal a strong commitment to enhancing educational safety and quality, aiming to protect students and ensure the integrity of school facili
ties across the state.
