The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in conjunction with Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) on Monday flagged off the distribution of sporting facilities and items for Universal Basic Education (UBE) schools, utilizing the 2020/2021 matching grant at the Board’s Headquarters in Makurdi.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Comrade Joseph Utse, said sports development in primary school is vital in harnessing talents in learners.
Comrade Utse also charged all Education Secretaries to make sure the equipment get to the selected schools and are also judiciously used for the purpose for which they are meant to serve. He advised the benefiting schools to use the items properly.
Also speaking at the occasion, UBEC State Coordinator, Mr Emmanuel Baba said, the commission has recognized the importance of sports in developing extra-curricular skills in learners and as such charged SUBEB to ensure that this gesture is sustained.
Director, Academic Services SUBEB, Mr Michael Mtomga, said UBEC allots 1% of the matching grant yearly for procurement of sports items to schools, adding that a total of 68 Basic schools are to benefit from this intervention.
Permanent Member 3 SUBEB, Mr. James Ahua in his remarks said, the distribution is a continuous exercise that will ensure all schools are equipped subsequently.
Responding on behalf of the Education Secretaries, Mr Johnathan Chagba of Katsina/ala lauded the resolve of the State Government to revive Primary School Sports and pledged to take proper care of the items.
According to SUBEB Information Officer and Head of Protocol, Mrs Erdoo Sar, the items distributed include footballs, Soccer boots, goal posts, nets, Scrabble, Skipping ropes, Chess game, Relay Barton to mention a few.
