Benue Youths Seek Govt Schools In Uvir Ward

Uvir youths in Guma local government area of Benue State have appealed for the establishment of government secondary schools in the community.

Uvir ward is one of the 10 council wards that make up the Guma local government area established in 1987 by the then military sole administrator, Col. Fidelis A. Maka.

The ward hosts a population of over 20,000 children of school age and a voting population estimated at more than 10,000  eligible voters.

The youths in a statement signed by Gwar James Atoo regretted that despite its long history and abundant human resources, Uvir Ward has remained severely underserved in the area of secondary education.

This is ironic considering that the ward is home to numerous distinguished personalities who have contributed immensely to the political, academic, and economic development of Benue State and Nigeria at large.

These include the late Senator JKN Waku; Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, member representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency; and Surveyor John Tondu, a notable business magnate based in Abuja.

In academia, Uvir Ward proudly boasts of more than five professors across various fields of human endeavour.

Among them are Prof. Engr. Kuhe Aondoyila; Prof. Zayol P. I.; and Prof. Sengev A. I., all of the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi; as well as Prof. Nyamnger Amase of the University of Ilorin and Prof. (Col.) Mayange Levi of Nasarawa State University.

“These eminent scholars reflect the intellectual strength and enormous potential embedded within the Ward,” he said.

The statement noted the vast landmass of Uvir Ward, its sizeable population, and the long distances children must travel to neighbouring communities in pursuit of secondary education.

He recalled that a Government Day Secondary School once existed during the administration of the late Governor Aper Aku—Government Day Secondary School Iye—facilitated by Hon. Alexander Atero, who represented the then Daudu Constituency.

“ Unfortunately, that institution collapsed and has remained non-functional for over four decades, leaving behind a significant educational vacuum,” he said.

He explained that, Kaseyo, the headquarters of Uvir Ward, previously hosted critical facilities such as a police station and a mission-run evening secondary school established by the NKST Church.

“Both institutions ceased operation due to insecurity and the lack of sustained government support.

“These closures have further deepened the educational deprivation endured by the people of Uvir Ward.

“It is therefore both imperative and urgent that a Government Secondary School be established in Uvir Ward. This is not merely a developmental need but a strategic investment in the future of a people who have made remarkable contributions to the state and the nation,” he added.

Citing data from the National Population Commission, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the State Bureau of Statistics, he said the Ward occupies a significant and political relevance in the scheme of things.

“As the political atmosphere intensifies and governance structures continue to evolve, we passionately appeal to the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia; legislators at all levels; relevant ministries and government agencies; policymakers; and public-spirited individuals to intervene. Uvir Ward deserves access to quality government secondary education within its boundaries.

“We therefore fervently plead that the longstanding educational neglect of Uvir Ward be addressed through the immediate establishment of a Government Secondary School,” he added.