School enrolment figures across Benue State have risen dramatically following the implementation of the state government's free and compulsory education programme. Data from the State Universal Basic Education Board shows that primary school enrolment has increased by 35 percent, with the most significant gains recorded in rural communities.

The programme, which covers tuition fees, provides textbooks, and offers school feeding at the primary level, has removed major barriers to education for thousands of children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Parents in communities across Gwer East, Ushongo, and Konshisha local government areas reported that they can now send all their children to school without financial strain.

Education stakeholders have praised the programme but called for complementary investments in teacher recruitment and school infrastructure. The state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers noted that many schools still lack adequate classrooms and teaching materials to accommodate the increasing number of students.