Benue teachers celebrate World Teachers Day, endorse Alia for second term

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Benue State Wing, has endorsed Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for a second term, citing his administration’s interventions in basic education and policies aimed at improving teachers’ welfare.

The endorsement was announced during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration held at IBB Square, Makurdi, under the theme “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status, and Shaping Our Futures.”

In his keynote address, Alia, who was represented by his Deputy, Barrister Sam Ode, highlighted his administration’s interventions in the education sector.

He said the government had recruited more than 9,000 teachers, constructed and renovated 435 classrooms and provided WASH facilities, 36 libraries, 25 school boreholes and more than 13,000 pieces of furniture.

The governor also cited the professional development of more than 8,900 teachers, the N150 million monthly School Grant Scheme and the implementation of Project BRACE-UP to increase the enrolment of out-of-school children.

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Alia said the NUT’s endorsement reflected the confidence of the teaching community in his administration.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and Executive Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Grace Adagba, commended the governor for policies she said had improved the dignity, security and professional standing of teachers.

She cited the school grant scheme and harmonised retirement age among the measures introduced by the administration.

Adagba described teachers as critical partners in building the future of Benue State, adding that they had remained resilient and committed despite the challenges facing the profession.

In his welcome address, the NUT state chairman, Comrade Akuma Levi Terna, acknowledged the administration’s interventions in basic education and its attention to teachers’ welfare.

He said the measures had strengthened teachers’ confidence in the governor’s leadership.

Terna subsequently announced the union’s endorsement of Alia for a second term and urged the governor to sustain his efforts in the education sector.

The celebration brought together teachers, education stakeholders, and government officials from across the state to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the NUT.