By KESHIA JANG
The Executive Chairman of the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Hon. Sunday Amuna, has highlighted key reforms and infrastructure improvements undertaken by the board since July 2023 to revitalise basic education across the state.
Amuna spoke during the commissioning of the board’s new administrative block and the distribution of instructional materials, where he also reflected on the challenges inherited by the administration on assumption of office.
According to him, the Board initially faced several setbacks, including industrial actions by primary school teachers, inadequate office accommodation, broken-down operational vehicles, and dilapidated school infrastructure.
Despite the challenges, Amuna said the Board has recorded significant progress through policy adjustments and the support of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, noting that Plateau State now consistently meets its counterpart funding obligations to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
He explained that one of the Board’s early achievements was the completion of an administrative block earlier inherited at the decking stage.
The facility, which houses 19 offices and eight toilets, is powered by solar energy and supported by a motorised borehole that also serves the surrounding community.
The chairman noted that the building has enabled the reintegration of several departments that had previously operated outside the Board’s headquarters.
Amuna further disclosed that the Board has made considerable investments in improving the learning environment in public primary schools.
Since 2024, he said, 397 classrooms have been constructed while 557 others have been renovated across the state.In addition, more than 33,685 sets of plastic chairs and tables have been distributed to schools, while 33 motorised boreholes have been installed to improve water supply in learning environments.
Looking ahead to the 2026 intervention cycle, Amuna said the Board is projecting the construction of 68 additional classrooms, the renovation of 313 classrooms, and the sinking of 20 new boreholes.
On digital learning, he explained that newly constructed and renovated school blocks are now being equipped with solar-powered energy systems to support modern teaching methods.
Amuna commended the state government for its education-friendly policies and prompt release of counterpart funds, which he said have encouraged prudent management of resources.
He also disclosed that primary school teachers in the state are no longer owed salary arrears, except those undergoing disciplinary procedures, while a backlog promotion exercise has commenced for deserving staff.
The chairman further acknowledged government support for co-curricular activities, particularly sports, noting that pupils from Plateau State have continued to excel in local and international competitions.
Amuna also announced the distribution of teaching and learning materials to public primary schools across the state. The items include 143,931 test books, 6,675 pairs of school bags and sandals, as well as pencils to support pupils and enhance classroom learning.
He appealed for special funding to establish a modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre that would prepare pupils and teachers for digital examinations in line with emerging government policies and global best practices.
Amuna expressed appreciation to the Plateau State Government and other stakeholders for their support, reaffirming the Board’s commitment to strengthening basic education and securing a better future for children in the state.