Benue SUBEB declares weekly craft-making day in basic schools

As part of efforts to equip learners with practical skills, the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has announced that every Wednesday at 12noon will be observed as Craft-Making Day across all basic schools starting from the next academic session.

The Executive Chairman, Benue SUBEB, Dr. Grace Adagba, made this known recently at the opening of a three-day training workshop on leadership and administration for head teachers in Basic Schools. The training, organised in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), marks the official flag-off of training programmes under the 2024 Action Plan and is held simultaneously across the three geo-political zones of the state. The training for Benue Zone ‘A’ will be held at Adikpo Kwande LGEA, Zone ‘B’ in Makurdi, while Zone ‘C’ will be held at Otukpo.

Dr. Adagba stated that the training aims to strengthen the leadership and administrative capacity of head teachers to improve the management of schools. “This training is designed to equip head teachers in advancing their skills, abilities and knowledge, expedient to effectively and confidently superintend activities in schools,” she said.

She emphasised that effective leadership was key to quality education delivery and urged teachers to embrace ICT-driven teaching methods and special needs education.

She commended the head teachers for their commitment, as reflected in the large turnout, and assured them of the  continued focus on their welfare by the Governor Alia led administration.

In a goodwill message, the State Coordinator of UBEC, Emmanuel Izi Baba, lauded SUBEB for the training initiative, describing it as an important refresher course to expose head teachers to modern teaching techniques. He encouraged participants to take the training seriously and apply the knowledge gained in their schools.

The Board Secretary, Dr Joseph Jande, in his remarks, charged the head teachers to take the training seriously and use the knowledge gained to improve school administration.

Some of the participants, including the head teacher of St. Joseph Primary School, Nyiman, Terzungwe Tsetim, and the head teacher of NKST Primary School, Gboko South, Josephine Igbayima, commended the leadership workshop. They particularly lauded the emphasis on ICT literacy in classrooms, expressing concern that many teachers still struggled with basic computer operations in this digital world. They pledged to apply the knowledge gained at the training to improve on their work.

Highlights of the training include interactive sessions, group discussions and hands-on activities. A notable moment was the participation of the SUBEB Executive Chairman in class activities, alongside the facilitator and participants, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning and capacity building.