The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), has officially handed over four renovated classroom blocks comprising 13 classrooms and distributed critical learning materials to benefit 2,400 internally displaced children at the Abagena IDP Camp in Makurdi, Benue State.
​The official handover and distribution ceremony took place at 10:00 AM on August 6, 2026, at the Abagena Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp, located along the Makurdi-Lafia Road, Makurdi, Benue State.
​The newly renovated infrastructure includes: Four fully rehabilitated classroom blocks encompassing 13 spacious, well-ventilated classrooms.
Essential educational materials, including textbooks, exercise books, writing materials, school bags, and recreational kits for 2,400 children. Upgraded sanitation facilities to promote hygiene and a safe learning environment.
​Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the UNICEF Chief of Field Office (Enugu/Central-East Field Office), Mrs. Juliet Chihiwe, emphasized the crucial role of uninterrupted education during humanitarian crises.
​”Education is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Even in displacement, children deserve a safe, dignified, and conducive environment to learn,” Chihiwe stated. “With the generous support of SIDA, these renovated classrooms represent hope, stability, and a brighter future for over 2,400 children whose lives were disrupted by conflict.”
​Also addressing attendees at the venue, UNICEF Education Specialist Mrs. Agatha Nzeribe highlighted the broader scope of the intervention, noting that restoring classrooms addresses both physical security and psychological trauma for displaced pupils.
​The Benue State Government expressed gratitude for the intervention. Representing the state at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Benue State Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, Mrs. Helen Nambativ, commended UNICEF and SIDA for their sustained commitment to child welfare.
​”These children are at a critical stage in their growth. Without immediate access to learning facilities, we risk losing a generation to illiteracy and despair,” Nambativ remarked. “This partnership provides an overwhelming sense of relief to the state government and the affected families.”
​The Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) praised the initiative and assured continued security and maintenance of the facilities. UNICEF and SIDA reaffirmed their commitment to supporting local education boards to ensure trained teachers remain deployed at the camp to sustain quality learning delivery.
