Benue govt to close 2100 unapproved schools

As part of its initial crackdown on the illicit operations of educational institutions in the state, the Benue State Bureau for Education Quality Assurance (BEQA) has designated 2,100 Primary and Secondary Schools for closure. 

The revelation was made on Wednesday by Dr. Terna Francis, Director General of BEQA, who was the Special Guest of Honour at Templegate Academy in Makurdi on Speech and Prize Giving Day. 

As he gave a symbolic presentation of the results to the students moving from Basic 6 to 7, he emphasised that since Primary 6 was no longer a certificate class, school administrators should cease pressuring parents to graduate their children.

In the first round of the crackdown on unaccredited schools, Francis disclosed that 2,100 schools had been targeted for closure. 

She also said that schools that had obtained their recertification forms and finished the required procedures ought to come pick up their certificates of consent, which are now considered official approval. 

He complimented the school for its efforts and thanked parents for their dedication to giving their kids a good education. He also mentioned that he had often made unannounced visits and had noticed that the school's academic records were generally satisfactory.

The director general used the occasion to inform the public about the 9-3-4 education system adopted by Benue State in accordance with the Federal Ministry of Education's policy. 

He also urged students to stay focused on achieving academic excellence and advised school owners to avoid imposing needless levies on parents. 

He made it clear that students would now move from Basic 6 to Basic 7, and that the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), which will be awarded at the conclusion of Basic 9, will function as the first school leaving certificate.

Francis further disclosed that starting in August, the Bureau will start closing unapproved schools and demolishing subpar ones in coordination with the Benue State Urban Development Board (BSUDB), the Benue State Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), and other parties.

Source