Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia has acknowledged efforts by Federal Ministry of Finance and Federal Ministry of Education in ensuring the safety of schools in Benue State.
The governor made this known while addressing a federal team on Financing Most-at-Risk Schools in Nigeria which paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Makurdi.
He said Benue State has a catalog of poorly maintained school buildings, limited classes and unfenced schools which stand the risk of being attacked and encroached upon.
Governor Alia added that the efforts of the team towards financing safe schools for students and educators in conflict prone areas and fragile communities cannot be overemphasized.
He admitted that Benue has witnessed several conflicts which have put schools at risk and have left the government battling with the challenge of providing education for IDPs living in camps and host communities.
The governor who appreciated the team for selecting Benue State among the pilot states for implementation of the project, assured them that needed budgetary lines will be taken care of to address issues of sustainability where applicable.
While appreciating President Tinubu for considering Benue State in this venture, Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed the belief that his administration will put the Benue educational sector back on the right path.
Earlier, National Coordinator on Safe Schools Project, Federal Ministry of Finance, Hajia Halima Iliya said Nigeria has been facing attacks on schools in recent years which prompted the initiative for safe schools to ensure that children continue with their education unhindered.
