Benue SUBEB to Gain from JICA STEM School Construction

Collaboration for Educational Development in Benue State

Benue State is making significant progress in its quest to enhance basic education through a partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The Executive Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, recently welcomed an advance team from JICA ahead of a planned survey mission aimed at securing grant aid for the construction of a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) facility.

This visit marks a crucial step in the preparations for JICA’s Effective School Programme (ESP), which seeks to establish a model science facility at the basic education level in Benue State. According to a statement by the Benue SUBEB information officer, Emmanuella Akese, the initiative is designed to create a center of excellence that will support students in developing skills in STEM fields.

Dr. Adagba expressed her appreciation for JICA's decision to include Benue in the ESP, highlighting the transformative potential of the project for young learners in the state. She emphasized that the establishment of a STEM model school would not only nurture the talents of students but also inspire them to pursue careers in science and technology.

The Executive Chairman also assured the JICA delegation of the full support and commitment of the state governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, in ensuring the success of the project. She noted that the governor has consistently shown dedication to improving basic education in Benue, reflecting a strong commitment to educational development.

During the visit, Dr. Kusakabe Hikaru, JICA’s Basic Education Advisor working with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), explained that the purpose of the visit was to ensure all necessary preparations and data-gathering processes are completed before the official survey mission from JICA Headquarters in Tokyo. The mission is expected to take place in September 2025 to conduct further evaluations as part of the grant approval process.

Mr. Stephen Nwanya, Programme Coordinator for Education at JICA, added that the team’s visit was focused on finalizing infrastructure design plans for the proposed Model Science School. This school will cater to both primary and junior secondary school learners. He praised the commitment and progress made in Benue, stating that the efforts of the Executive Chairman reflect the sustainability potential of the project.

JICA remains committed to supporting the Board and meeting some of its key demands for the successful implementation of the initiative. The agency is dedicated to ensuring that the project aligns with the needs of the local community and contributes to long-term educational development.

Before the main survey mission, the JICA team conducted a preliminary visit to St Theresa’s Primary and UBE JSS Makurdi, two of the Effective School Programme (ESP) schools in the state. This visit allowed the team to gather relevant data and assess the current state of infrastructure and educational practices.

The collaboration between JICA, UBEC, and Benue SUBEB represents a series of high-level engagements that are bringing the state closer to becoming a model for science-based basic education in Nigeria. Through these efforts, Benue State is positioning itself as a leader in educational innovation and development.

As the project moves forward, it is expected to have a lasting impact on the educational landscape of Benue and beyond. The establishment of a STEM facility will not only provide students with access to quality education but also contribute to the overall development of the region.