The Benue State Ministry of Education has issued a stern warning to schools in the state, cautioning them against transacting financial deals with the Benue State Education Quality Assurance (BEQA). This comes after the ministry received numerous complaints about BEQA’s seizure of government-approved records and unlawful threats, including withholding clearance for external examinations like NECO and WAEC.
According to a statement signed by Mrs. Helen Nambativ Zeramo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, BEQA has not been mandated to collect revenue on behalf of the ministry. The statement emphasized that schools should resist any attempts by BEQA staff to confiscate federal and state government-approved school records.
The ministry’s warning is a response to allegations that BEQA has been acting beyond its authority, posing a threat to the smooth operation of schools in the state. The statement assured schools that the ministry is committed to ensuring that they operate without undue interference or harassment.
In light of this development, schools in Benue State are advised to exercise caution when dealing with BEQA and to report any instances of harassment or intimidation to the Ministry of Education.
