Alia approves 2026 JAMB UTME sponsorship for 400 BUAST students

Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has carried out an inspection of the ongoing hostel construction at the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (BUAST), Ihugh, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to strengthen educational standards across the state.

In addition, the governor has sanctioned the payment of the 2026 JAMB Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration fees for 400 pre-degree and remedial students of BUAST.

During his assessment tour of the project site, Alia expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, restating his dedication to delivering sound and accessible education to the people of Benue.

The Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communication, Chief Solomon Iorpev, disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday that the governor emphasised education as a major catalyst for development, adding that his administration remains committed to leveraging it to reposition the state.

Speaking on the sponsorship initiative, the governor’s aide explained that the intervention is designed to motivate students to advance their academic pursuits and ultimately play active roles in the state’s socio-economic growth.

Alia noted that quality education remains vital to Benue’s advancement, particularly in areas such as agriculture and entrepreneurship, where knowledge and innovation are crucial.

He reiterated that the government’s investment in the education sector is intended to empower the youth with the competencies and expertise required to thrive in a competitive global environment.

The governor also pointed to the recent rollout of the Building Rights to Access and Compulsory Education for Unenrolled Pupils (BRACE-UP) project, an initiative focused on ensuring that every school-age child in Benue has access to formal education.

According to him, the programme forms a significant part of his administration’s broader strategy to expand educational access and tackle poverty in the state.

Alia further encouraged students to make the most of available opportunities, including the sponsored JAMB UTME registration, urging them to remain committed to their studies and contribute meaningfully to Benue’s development.