The Executive Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has inspected ongoing hostel construction at the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (BUAST), Ihugh — reinforcing his administration’s resolve to strengthen educational infrastructure across the state.
Walking through the project site, the Governor expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, describing education as the backbone of sustainable development. He stressed that investment in learning environments is not optional, but foundational to Benue’s future.
“Education remains the most powerful tool for transformation,” the Governor noted, affirming that his administration is committed to equipping young people with globally competitive skills.
400 Students to Receive JAMB Sponsorship
In a major boost to access, Governor Alia approved the full sponsorship of the 2026 JAMB UTME registration for 400 pre-degree and remedial students of BUAST.
The intervention, he said, is designed to remove financial barriers and encourage students to pursue higher education — particularly in strategic sectors such as agriculture, science, and entrepreneurship.
For many families, this sponsorship represents more than financial relief; it signals government-backed belief in the aspirations of Benue’s youth.
No Child Left Behind: BRACE-UP Initiative
The Governor also referenced the recent launch of the Building Rights to Access and Compulsory Education for Un-enrolled Pupils (BRACE-UP) project — an initiative aimed at ensuring every school-age child in Benue has access to education.
He described the programme as a deliberate poverty-reduction strategy, anchored on the understanding that literacy, skills acquisition, and structured learning are critical to long-term economic stability.
Education as an Economic Engine
Governor Alia reiterated that quality education directly supports Benue’s agricultural dominance, enterprise growth, and workforce development. By strengthening institutions like BUAST and expanding access to examinations such as JAMB, the administration is positioning the state for broader competitiveness within Nigeria and beyond.
He concluded by urging students to seize these opportunities, remain focused on their studies, and prepare themselves to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.
Across campuses and communities, the message is clear: in Benue, education is not merely a policy priority — it is a strategic investment in tomorrow.
