By Faith Igbudu
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has commissioned a Girl-Child Skills Acquisition Centre at Government Girls Model Secondary School (GGMSS), Aliade, Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue state.
Commissioning the project recently, UBEC Governing Board Member, Barr Chris Hassan explained that it was an intervention programme by the federal government through Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), aimed at relieving the huge financial burden shouldered by states.
He commended the Federal Government for it’s intervention targeted at the girl-child, especially as it was an entrepreneurial facility that would develop them for self-dependence.
In his remark, UBEC North-Central representative, Comrade Richard Mnenga who influenced the project as his constituency project said the Girl Child Education Programme is one of the cardinal policies introduced by UBEC to discourage dropouts from schools and to ensure girls are properly educated. He said it was in view of that policy that the commission has set up skill acquisition centres across the federation to ensure self-employment for girls, in addition to the certificate they acquire upon graduation.
Comrade Mnenga said he was impressed with the attention given the school by the state government and appreciated Governor Samuel Ortom for maintaining good structures at the school. Mnenga advised the school management to use the facilities judiciously so that the aim of providing them is achieved.
He further recommended that only teachers with the technical know-how be allowed to handle the equipment so that it will stand the test of time even as he appealed that the governor employ only qualified teachers.
Executive Chairman, Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (BSUBEB), Comrade Joseph Utse, represented by Permanent Member 1 of the Board, Mike Kusah, appreciated Comrade Richard Mnenga for the ambassadorial role he played by attracting the project to Benue state and GGMSS Aliade.
Kusah commended Mnenga for being an advocate of girl-child education and assured that SUBEB, in supporting UBEC will carry out routine inspection of the project to make sure the equipments are not stolen or vandalised but used properly.
Vice Principal Administration of GGMSS Aliade, Mr Francis Ude expressed joy that the project was sited in their school and assured of its judicious use and protection.
The FG/UBE/2019 Intervention Project comprised procurement of designing machines, sewing machines and a standard block of classrooms housing the equipment.
