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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education as the cornerstone of human development and announced plans to recruit an additional 3,000 teachers to strengthen teaching capacity and improve learning outcomes across public schools.
The governor had barely two weeks ago formalised the employment of over 5,000 former casual teachers, who he personally presented their employment letters to.
He announced the employment of additional 3,000 teachers when the leadership of the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), conferred a Lifetime Achievement Award on him in recognition of his exceptional reforms and commitment to repositioning the state’s education sector. The award was presented to the Governor at the Government House, Benin City, during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the NUT, led by its State Chairman, Bernard Ajobiewe, in company of the acting Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State chapter, Bernard Jormah Egwahide.
Governor Okpebholo expressed deep appreciation to Edo teachers for their diligence and patriotism in shaping the future of the State.
“Teachers remain a top priority in our development agenda. We are building and renovating schools across Edo and as infrastructure improves, so must manpower…
Our goal is to ensure that no school lacks qualified teachers and that every child receives quality education in a conducive learning environment,” he said.
He emphasised that his administration had put an end to the era of overcrowded classrooms and combined classes that once defined Edo’s public schools, noting that the new education reforms had already restored public confidence in the system.
He also reiterated that his government would not engage in political witch-hunts, but would allow performance and public perception to judge the actions of the previous administration.
“If the last administration had performed well, the Edo people would have felt it. We are focused on rebuilding the system and restoring pride in our schools. My administration is committed to results, not rhetoric,” Okpebholo stated.
The Governor further assured continued collaboration with labour unions to sustain industrial harmony and drive collective progress. He pledged to donate a bus to the NUT to facilitate its statewide operations and monitoring activities across Edo’s 18 local government areas.
“We will continue to maintain a strong working relationship with the NUT and all labour unions. The welfare of teachers remains the heart of our education reforms,” he added.
The NUT chairman, Ajobiewe, commended the Governor for regularising the employment of over 5,000 Edo-star teachers, who had remained contract staff for more than three years under the previous administration.
“In less than a year, our story as teachers has changed from frustration to fulfilment. Governor Okpebholo has not only restored dignity to the teaching profession but has also rekindled hope in public education. His actions demonstrate true leadership and empathy,” Ajobiewe said.
Similarly, the acting NLC chairman, Egwahide, praised the governor’s people-oriented leadership and promised the union’s continued support for his administration.
“We are grateful to a governor who listens, acts and delivers. The workers of Edo State will stand by you as you continue to transform our education sector and fulfil your promises,” he affirmed.
