Female students from Chibok in Borno and Dapchi in Yobe State who have been denied Western education by activities of Boko Haram have been assured of educational opportunities in Benue State.
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, gave the assurance on Tuesday while inspecting new facilities at Government Girls Model Secondary School, Aliade, which runs exchange programme for students from the 19 Northern States of Nigeria.
The Governor stated that as a special recognition and support to the female children from Chibok and Dapchi, additional facilities; hostel accommodation would be provided for the school to enable it admit anyone who seeks admission from the two northern towns and other states which fall under its catchment area.
The Governor, who expressed delight over the new face of the school, stated that he wept when he visited the school in April last year as a result of its dilapidated state, stressing that he had already directed the renovation of all staff quarters in the school.
Ortom further directed the release of N80 million for further furnishing of the school, adding that the education commissioner had also been directed to provide sporting facilities such as football, handball, volley ball and basketball for the students.
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He also directed that the bill of quantities for the renovation of the nursery and primary school within the school be submitted to him through the education commissioner for necessary action, pointing out that the school would also be provided with a bus in no distant time.
The Governor, who encouraged the students to be committed to their studies and never allow anyone to mess them up, charged them to shun miracle centres which would only mar their future, even as he strongly warned against theft of the equipment in the school by the host community.
Commissioner for Education, Professor Dennis Ityavyar, said Governor Ortom had excelled in the educational sector, stressing that the school which could barely boast of 600 students now needed additional space to admit more students.
Principal of the school, Mrs. Lucy Tyav and Head Girl, Miss Doris Nyajo, all expressed appreciation to the Governor for making their school one of the best in the state, promising that they would make judicious use of the facilities provided for them.
