Benue To Return 136 Schools To Private Individuals –Ortom

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has said his administration is reviewing policies that placed all schools in the hands of the government.

The government, he said, was taking the decision because of lean resources and present economic hardship sweeping through the country.

Under the arrangement, the government will return over 136 schools back to private individuals, while a committee has already been set up for that purpose.

Ortom, represented by his Private Secretary, Steven Amase, stated this during the graduation ceremony of Lead British International School, Gwarinpa in Abuja.

A total of 64 students, including children of former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega; Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kassim  Shettima and Chief of Staff to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Patrick Obahiagbon, graduated from the school.

While commending the efforts of LBIS for its good standards, Ortom said Benue State had already put in place policies that would replicate such standards of education exemplified by the school across the state.

Amase said, “Benue is doing well in education; we have a high level of illiteracy in Nigeria. The government is reviewing policies that placed all schools in the hands of the government. Considering the dwindling resources of the state government and the level of character formations; you cannot put that in the hands of the government alone.

“So policies are intended to open up the windows so that private sectors can also come into bear, on the learning quality of education. A committee has already been set up and headed by a bishop.”