Benue State to launch 15 Pilot SMART Schools, 11 Technical Colleges

Benue State has announced plans to establish 15 pilot SMART schools and 11 technical colleges across the state in the near future.

The state’s Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Rev. Dr. Frederick Ikyaan, shared the details during a press briefing in his office in Makurdi.

According to Ikyaan, the state government is also committed to building standard Model schools that will serve as a reference point for others, in light of the ongoing infrastructural challenges facing public schools in the state. He emphasized that Governor Hyacinth Alia is deeply invested in skills acquisition, which is why the state plans to establish 11 technical colleges in each of its 11 federal constituencies.

Ikyaan also addressed the issue of free registration for WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB exams, explaining that the federal government’s palliative initiative had previously funded the free registrations. However, due to a lack of resources, the state government is unable to continue with the gesture.

On the issue of security, Ikyaan reassured the public that the state government is prioritizing the safety of learners.

He mentioned that the government has partnered with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and is working on a Rapid Response Center, which is already more than 70% complete, as part of efforts to ensure a secure environment for students.