Makurdi, Benue State – The Benue State Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Adamu, is facing mounting criticism over allegations that she operates a private school in Makurdi that fails to meet state-mandated educational standards.
Education stakeholders in the state have accused Dr. Adamu of a serious conflict of interest, given her role as the chief enforcer of educational standards in Benue. In a letter addressed to Governor Hyacinth Alia and obtained by SUNTV Global Channel on Friday, the Benue Education Stakeholders Forum (BENEDS) raised concerns about the condition of her school.
According to the letter, the school is reportedly housed in a converted residential apartment, with bedrooms transformed into classrooms. BENEDS claims this violates regulations requiring purpose-built educational facilities with proper building plans, adequate ventilation, and clear separation between residential and school spaces.
The forum further alleged that the school lacks essential facilities, including functional toilets, a playground, potable water, fencing, fire-fighting equipment, and a library. It also highlighted concerns over inadequate staffing, which reportedly leads to excessive workloads for the few teachers employed.
In the letter, BENEDS Interim Chairman Comrade Patrick Omenka described the allegations as a “litmus test” for Governor Alia’s administration, warning that ignoring the matter could embolden impunity and undermine the state’s commitment to quality education.
The stakeholders are calling for an independent commission of inquiry to inspect the school and verify the claims. They also demanded the immediate suspension of the commissioner pending the outcome of the 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. Those responsible for enforcing educational laws must lead by example and refrain from abusing their offices. It is against this backdrop that we demand urgent and decisive action regarding the allegations against Commissioner Margaret Adamu.”
Efforts to reach Dr. Adamu for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
