Benue SUBEB boss, Agada, discusses teacher welfare, school enrollment growth at national teachers summit

Executive Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, has called for sustained commitment to teacher welfare as a critical driver of education reform and National development.

She made this call while speaking at the National Teachers’ Summit 2026, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The two-day Summit, which took place from  January 27 and 28 was themed “Empowering Teachers, Strengthening the System: A National Agenda for Education Transformation and Sustainability.” The Summit organized by the Federal Ministry of Education , brought together key education stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s education system through effective teacher support and professional development.

The Summit underscored the central role of teachers in shaping the nation’s future, emphasizing that inclusive, motivated, and well-supported teachers remain the foundation of sustainable national development.

Speaking as a panelist during the session titled “Ensuring Teacher Well-being and Welfare,” Dr. Adagba highlighted strategic interventions by the Benue State Government aimed at sustaining the rising pupil enrolment currently being recorded across the State. She attributed this growth to the recruitment of over 9,000 teachers, massive investments in school infrastructure, continuous monitoring and evaluation of schools and the provision of modern teaching and learning materials, including smart boards, whiteboards, computers, and assorted textbooks in basic education schools.

Dr. Adagba thanked the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha Garba and Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, for the opportunity to contribute to national policy discussions at the summit and Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his unwavering commitment to basic education, noting that his support has continued to position the state prominently on the national education landscape.

A major highlight of the Summit was the unveiling of EduEvamp, a new digital learning platform designed to transform teaching skills, enhance teachers’ professional capacity, and modernize classroom delivery. The platform is expected to provide teachers nationwide with access to innovative resources that will further strengthen Nigeria’s education system.

The Summit attracted top government officials, policymakers, and education leaders from across the country, including the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Mark Bako Useni, Chairman, House Committee on Basic Education and Services; Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmed, Minister of State for Education; Prof. Babagana Umar Zulum- Governor of Borno State; Hajiya Aisha Garba -Executive Secretary UBEC, Sen. Umar Tanko Al-Makura – Chairman, UBEC Board, Commissioners of Education across the country, Executive Chairmen of SUBEBs and Development Partners; alongside Heads of agencies, education stakeholders, and teachers nationwide.