Benue State Government today launched the distribution of thirty five thousand customised desks and chairs to selected primary schools across its 23 local government areas.
The ceremony was performed by Governor Samuel Ortom at the ministry of Science and Technology headquarters, Makurdi.
Governor Ortom who stated that one of the priority of his administration was to make primary schools conducive said the items were procured using funds jointly provided by the state Government and Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC and charged head masters and community leaders to ensure that the items were not stolen, as periodic searches would be conducted in communities and any one found with the desks or chairs would be prosecuted.
The state Government according to the governor has secured a N2bn which has gone into payment of counterpart fund to UBEC to get N4bn to purchase additional desks and chairs as well as carry out other projects for primary schools.
Commissioner of Education, Professor Dennis Ityavyar stated that apart from the distribution of customised desks and chairs to primary schools, the Government has initiated other programmes to enhance teaching and learning.
Executive Secretary, State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Mr. Joseph Utse stated that with the support from UBEC, the board would continue to carry out projects such as construction of standard class room blocks.
Goodwill messages were delivered at the occasion by the a representative of UBEC, Mrs. Augustina Sanchi, PTA Chairman in Benue and Tor Kwande, Chief Ambrose Iortyer.