Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has promised to clear the 11-month salary arrears owed to school teachers in the state, assuring that his administration is committed to workers’ welfare.
The Governor gave the assurance while addressing teachers in Makurdi, saying efforts were underway to
offset the backlog of salaries owed to teachers employed through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUPEB)
Under the scheme, the government will pay teachers an additional month’s salary arrears alongside their regular monthly salaries until the backlog is fully settled, Alia said Wednesday at the state’s 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration.
The Governor, represented at the event by Deputy Governor Sam Ode, said the government had made education a priority and was taking steps to improve teachers’ welfare, working conditions and professional development.
His administration has adopted a harmonized retirement age for teachers and introduced an automated payroll system designed to eliminate leakages and improve accountability in salary payments, he added.
The government has also recruited more than 9,000 teachers and constructed or renovated more than 400 classrooms, the Governor said.
Also, it has supplied furniture to schools and introduced retraining and professional-development programs for teachers and learners.
Governor Alia praised teachers for their commitment to educating children and described their work as essential to Benue’s future development.
He also commended Grace Adagba, Executive Chairman SUBEB for her efforts to improve basic education in the state.
Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management Margaret Adamu, represented by Permanent Secretary for Basic Education Bibiana Tyoishi, reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a more conducive environment for teaching and learning.
The celebration, held at IBB Square in Makurdi, in concordance with the Nigeria Union of Teachers’ theme: “Standing with Teachers; 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing Its Status and Shaping Our Future.”
The event included a march-past, entertainment, presentations and goodwill speeches, NewsQuest gathered.
