Benue: Pupils, Teachers In Otukpa Forced To Sit On Floors, Windows, Despite N82bn Education Budget (Photos)

The teachers and pupils of the Local Government Education Authority, LGEA, Primary School, Ididiloko Adum Otukpa, Ogbadibo LGA, Benue State, are facing dire learning conditions, with classrooms in disrepair and a lack of basic furniture.

With no desks, pupils are forced to sit on the bare floor, while teachers, lacking chairs, perch on windowsills to conduct lessons.

Civic technology platform Monitng described the situation as alarming after a recent visit.

“Heavy winds have damaged parts of the school, making it unsafe for learning. Even worse, 336 pupils have stopped attending due to the lack of classrooms. The community is struggling to renovate the school on its own, without government assistance,” the organisation reported.

This crisis persists despite a major increase in Benue State’s education budget from N33.85 billion in 2024 to N82.52 billion in 2025. “With such a budget increase, why are schools like this still neglected? Where is the funding going? Why are children being denied their right to quality education?” Monitng questioned.

Calling for urgent intervention, the organisation urged the Benue State Government to act immediately.

“This school needs new classrooms and proper furniture. Pupils deserve a safe and conducive learning environment, not abandoned structures.”

Monitng further stressed the need for rural schools to receive priority attention.

“Education is the foundation of any thriving society. Benue State must prioritise schools in rural communities,” it stated.