The Benue State Government has uncovered more than 4,000 illegal and substandard schools operating across the state, raising serious concerns about the quality of education being offered to children.

This was made known by Kula Tersoo, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, during a press briefing in Makurdi.

According to Tersoo, these schools are not fit for learning, often lacking proper infrastructure and being staffed by unqualified teachers.

He explained that Governor Alia's administration has been taking deliberate steps to improve education in the state. One of such moves was the recruitment of 9,700 qualified primary school teachers to help restore quality to the sector.

In addition to the crackdown on fake schools, the government also paid WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB fees for about 19,000 students for the 2023/2024 academic session, showing a renewed commitment to support students across Benue.

Tersoo further highlighted that the 38-month backlog of earned allowances owed to staff of Moses Adasu University (formerly Benue State University) has now been fully cleared. This, he said, has helped stabilise operations in the state’s higher institutions, with no academic disruptions since the new administration took over.

As part of the government's long-term educational plans, Benue has also secured a license to establish a new University of Technology at Ihugh in Vandeikya Local Government Area.

The discovery of thousands of illegal schools now puts the spotlight on private educational providers in the state, as residents wait to see how the government will shut down or reform these substandard institutions.