Gov Alia pledges to clear 11-month salary arrears owed Benue teachers

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has promised to offset the 11-month salary arrears owed teachers under the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB.

Alia disclosed that his administration would tackle the backlog by paying an additional one month’s salary arrears alongside teachers’ regular monthly salaries until the outstanding debt is completely settled.

The governor made the commitment in Makurdi while addressing the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration held at IBB Square. He was represented at the occasion by his deputy, Sam Ode.

Alia said his administration remained committed to giving education priority while taking steps to improve the welfare, working conditions and professional development of teachers across the state.

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He noted that the government had already adopted the harmonised retirement age for teachers and introduced an automated payroll system aimed at blocking leakages and strengthening accountability in the payment process.

According to him, the administration had also recruited more than 9,000 teachers, while over 400 classrooms had either been constructed or renovated.

The governor added that his government had supplied furniture to schools and introduced professional development and retraining programmes designed to improve the capacity of both teachers and learners.

Alia commended teachers in the state for their commitment and sacrifice in educating and moulding children, describing their contribution as critical to the future development of Benue.

He also praised the SUBEB Executive Chairman, Dr Grace Adagba, for her efforts toward transforming basic education in the state.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Basic Education, Mrs Bibiana Tyoishi, reiterated the government’s resolve to provide a conducive environment for effective teaching and learning.

The 2026 celebration was held in line with the Nigeria Union of Teachers’ theme, “Standing with Teachers, 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing Its Status and Shaping Our Future.”

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

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