An anti-graft group, the Good Governance Initiative (GGI), has called for urgent reforms in the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to address the worsening condition of public schools across the state.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the group, led by Mr Terngu Tor, expressed dismay over what it described as “an alarming level of decay in basic education infrastructure despite substantial budgetary allocations.”

GGI urged the state government to make public the audit report that led to the directive for the refund of ₦2.1 billion and to disclose details of its payroll automation exercise.

The group warned that without immediate reforms, “SUBEB will remain a cash cow for insiders while schools rot and children’s futures are stolen.”

It also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the alleged diversion of funds meant for basic education by the Board.

Tor accused the Board of “serial financial mismanagement” and failure to fulfil its mandate since 2023, despite increased allocations to the education sector.

“When the current administration took over in 2023, hopes were high that SUBEB would finally find direction,” he said.

“Two years later, that optimism has collapsed under the weight of missing billions, payroll scandals, and open hostility between SUBEB and the State House of Assembly.”

GGI recalled that an ad hoc committee of the Benue State House of Assembly, in December 2024, indicted the Board for failing to account for ₦2.1 billion in local government education funds received between December 2023 and June 2024.

The committee subsequently directed SUBEB Chairman, Dr Grace Adagba, to refund the money and step aside pending investigation — an order the group alleged she has ignored.

In July, a 16-year-old student of UBE Junior Secondary School, Oju Centre, area of the state was reportedly arrested in connection with the death of his teacher following a confrontation.

The student, identified as Friday Ogamude, allegedly attacked his 35-year-old teacher, Mr. Oyibe Oyibe, during a dispute reportedly related to a cap that had been confiscated by the teacher in May 2025. The altercation occurred on the school premises in Oju Local Government Area.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama first reported the incident via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the teacher collapsed after he was allegedly struck by the student.

Mr. Oyibe was immediately transported to Amara Hospital in Oju, where he was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

The Benue State Police Command took the suspect into custody and confirmed that an investigation is underway. The body of the deceased has been deposited at the General Hospital, Oju, for autopsy.