The Executive Secretary, Benue State Education Quality Assurance and Examinations Board (BEQAEB), Dr. Terna Francis has taken the aim at those opposed to the policies of his board, saying his activities are anchored on the provisions of the law establishing it.
Single proprietors are raising eyebrows about the activities of his board, but Dr Terna said such “is often inevitable whenever regulations are enforced,” adding that his board is “one of the most disciplined regulatory establishments in the state.” This comes shortly after the BEQAEB boss gave clarification to the public on the fees charged by the relevant education authority in the state.
According to Dr. Terna, reactions from some proprietors arose after BEQAEB queried exorbitant charges by certain schools, including fees as high as ₦35,000 for BECE instead of the approved ₦10,250, and between ₦70,000 and ₦100,000 for WAEC, which is officially pegged at ₦27,000 with an additional processing fee of ₦500, bringing the total to ₦27,500. Dr Francis vowed to bring such practices to an end.
He said his board is empowered by law to determine and publish allowable charges for examinations and related levies, adding that no new rates have been introduced.
The BEQAEB warned that schools are permitted to collect only approved fees, adding that the governor has directed that handling charges must not exceed ₦5,000 to reduce the financial burden on parents.
He referred to the Revenue Administration Law (of Benue State) and the approved 2026 budget estimates, stating that the levies collectable by BEQAEB, such as the Quality Control, Workshop, Sport, and ICT Development levies, are clearly provided for.
According to Dr. Terna, BEQAEB is empowered by law to inspect, monitor, regulate, accredit, and sanction schools—both public and private—to ensure compliance with approved minimum standards.
He noted that this legal backing informed the establishment of the Board to allow closer scrutiny of school operations and ensure proper implementation of education sector reforms.
The Executive Secretary explained that the Governor’s decision to strengthen Quality Assurance and separate it from the Ministry of Education was guided by the need for a more rigorous and independent mechanism for monitoring schools, the board’s Information Officer, Jeffrey Adzam, said in a statement issued on January 30.
Commenting on the issue of e-Dossier, the Executive Secretary said the e-Dossier replaces manual records and allows schools to upload Continuous Assessment and examination scores in real time, thereby eliminating manipulation, delays and human interference.
According to Dr Terna, resistance to the e-Dossier system by some proprietors is linked to the operation of so-called miracle centres, where students migrate shortly before registering for external examinations. With the e-Dossier, continuous assessment records are tied to individual learners and their respective schools, and the system automatically flags any movement, Dr Terna explained.
Dr. used the opportunity to highlight the Benue State Government’s investment in education, including the construction of new primary school structures, renovation of existing facilities, and the recruitment of over 9,000 teachers into basic education schools through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
According to him, the education sector received over 15 per cent of the state’s total budget in 2025, with a significant increase in the 2026 budget to 25.29 per cent, which he described as a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to reform. Mr Adzam said in the statement.
He explained that part of his reform agenda includes enforcing policies such as the reuse of textbooks, the prohibition of graduation ceremonies for non-certificate classes, and the ban on compulsory lessons for kindergarten and lower basic education learners.
