In a letter addressed to Governor Hyacinth Alia and obtained by SaharaReporters on Friday, some education stakeholders in the state accused the commissioner of presiding over a serious conflict of interest.
The Benue State Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr Margaret Adamu, has faced a backlash over allegations that she operates a private school in Makurdi that falls far below the minimum standards mandated by law.
In a letter addressed to Governor Hyacinth Alia and obtained by SaharaReporters on Friday, some education stakeholders in the state accused the commissioner of presiding over a serious conflict of interest.
The letter written by the Benue Education Stakeholders Forum (BENEDS) alleged that her school, converted from a residential apartment, violates multiple regulations while she serves as the chief enforcer of educational standards in the state.
According to the letter signed by Interim Chairman, Comrade Patrick Omenka, the group claimed that the school operates from a converted residential building where bedrooms have been turned into classrooms.
This, the forum argued, contravenes regulations that mandate purpose-built educational facilities with approved building plans, proper ventilation, and clear separation between residential and school environments.
It stressed that the gravity of the allegations strikes at the heart of educational integrity in Benue State, noting that the commissioner cannot morally enforce compliance with standards she is accused of violating.
The stakeholders described the situation as a “litmus test” for Governor Alia’s administration, warning that any attempt to sweep the matter under the carpet would embolden impunity and undermine the government’s commitment to quality education.
The forum is demanding an independent commission of inquiry to verify the allegations and inspect the school in question.
It also called for the commissioner’s immediate removal from office pending the outcome of a transparent investigation to prevent any interference.
The letter reads in part: “Education is indeed serious business, and any society that aspires to attain greatness must take the education of its members seriously. Concrete steps must be taken to enact laws and policies that will guarantee high standards.
“Those responsible for enforcing these laws and policies must be people of impeccable character, possess the right academic credentials, and have the requisite experience to function effectively. Most importantly, they must lead by example and refrain from abusing their offices to cover up wrongdoing. It is against this backdrop that we are compelled to write this letter.
“As concerned citizens and stakeholders in the Benue project, under the auspices of the Benue Education Stakeholders Forum (BENEDS), we write to formally demand urgent and decisive action regarding serious allegations levelled against the commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Mrs Margaret Adamu. These allegations, which have entered the public domain and continue to generate widespread concern among parents, teachers, and citizens, strike at the heart of educational integrity in our state.
“It has been alleged that the commissioner owns and operates a private school in Makurdi that falls far below the minimum standards prescribed under extant laws regulating the establishment and operation of nursery and primary schools in Benue State.
“According to publicly available claims, the school operates from a converted residential apartment where bedrooms have been turned into classrooms, contrary to regulations requiring purpose-built educational facilities with approved building plans, standard classroom dimensions, proper ventilation, emergency exits, and clear separation between residential and school environments.
“Further allegations indicate the use of pit toilets instead of approved sanitation systems, inadequate staffing levels that fall short of the prescribed teacher–pupil ratio —leading to excessive workload for the few teachers — and the absence of essential facilities such as a functional playground, potable water supply, fencing, fire-fighting equipment, a basic health scheme, as well as a functional library for private reading and research.”
Efforts to get the Benue State Commissioner, Adamu’s reactions were not successful as of the time of filing this report.