Benue Teachers May Finally Get Their 11 Months Salary Arrears

(Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. Photo by The Sun Nigeria)

Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has promised to pay off the 11 months of salary arrears owed teachers under the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB.

He said the government will pay one extra month of arrears alongside the regular monthly salary until the whole debt is cleared.

Alia made the promise in Makurdi at the 2026 World Teachers' Day celebration held at IBB Square.

His deputy, Sam Ode, spoke for him at the event.

The governor said his administration still puts education first and is working to improve the welfare, working conditions and professional growth of teachers in the state.

He said the government has adopted the harmonised retirement age for teachers and introduced an automated payroll system to stop leakages and make payments more accountable.

According to him, more than 9,000 teachers have been recruited, and over 400 classrooms have been built or renovated.

He added that schools have received furniture, and training programmes have been rolled out to build the skills of both teachers and pupils.

Alia thanked teachers for their sacrifice in educating children, calling their work key to the future of Benue.

He also praised the SUBEB Executive Chairman, Dr Grace Adagba, for her work in improving basic education in the state.

The Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, was represented by the Permanent Secretary for Basic Education, Mrs Bibiana Tyoishi.

She said the government is determined to provide a good environment for teaching and learning.

The celebration followed the Nigeria Union of Teachers' theme, Standing with Teachers, 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing Its Status and Shaping Our Future.

It featured a march-past, entertainment, presentations and goodwill speeches.