Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia has pledged to begin paying the 11 months of salary arrears owed to State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) teachers. Under the arrangement, one month of arrears will be added to their monthly salaries until the backlog is cleared.

Governor Alia made the commitment while addressing teachers at the World Teachers’ Day celebration at IBB Square in Makurdi. He was represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Sam Ode.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising education. He said the government had taken steps to improve teachers’ welfare and working conditions, including implementing the harmonised retirement age and introducing an automated payroll system to reduce leakages.

He also highlighted the recruitment of more than 9,000 teachers; the construction and renovation of more than 400 classrooms; the provision of furniture; and professional development and retraining programmes for teachers and learners.

Governor Alia commended teachers for their dedication to shaping children’s minds and futures. He also applauded SUBEB Executive Chairman Dr. Grace Adagba for her efforts to drive reforms in basic education.

The Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Adamu, represented by Permanent Secretary for Basic Education Mrs. Bibiana Tyoishi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for teachers and learners.

In her remarks, Dr. Adagba praised teachers for their resilience and commitment despite the challenges they face. She also thanked the governor for prioritising basic education through sustained interventions, including school grants and improved teaching and learning facilities.

The celebration, held under the 2026 Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) theme, “Standing with Teachers, 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing Its Status and Shaping Our Future,” featured a march-past, entertainment, presentations and speeches.

The NUT also endorsed Governor Alia for a second term, citing his administration’s efforts to promote progress, peace and development in the state.

Kehe Hon

Information Officer, Benue State Government House