BY OSABUOHIEN VIVIAN ROSE
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday supervised the handing of letters of employment to the 5,000 teachers in the state.
The teachers, who for years were on contract with a monthly stipend of ₦65,000 during the administration of Godwin Obaseki, were formally handed appointment letters during a ceremony held at Government House on Wednesday.
Governor Okpebholo emphasised the significance of the occasion and the government’s commitment to valuing its educators
The Governor said, “Teachers, I am happy to see you. I wanted it this way because I had asked several times if you had received your letters. The answer was no. So, I decided to supervise the process myself. As you collect your appointment letters today, you will also receive transport fare because I know many of you have travelled long distances.”
He further acknowledged the vital role teachers play in shaping the future of Edo State, underscoring the administration’s dedication to improving the welfare of educators.
He noted, “You are very important to us. Your reward is no longer in heaven; it is here, under our watch.”
Addressing the teachers earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, expressed deep appreciation for their perseverance over the past three years despite the challenges of being on contract.
Iyamu said, “You have been suffering for years, yet you have stayed committed to educating our children, waking up at night to prepare lesson notes. Beautiful schools without teachers are useless. Today, an angel has come, a leader who thinks about your welfare day and night.”
Also, he highlighted the achievements of Okpebholo’s administration in the education sector, noting the construction of over 68 schools within one year to benefit children from all walks of life.
He said, “He met Ambrose Alli University with a ₦41 million subvention and increased it to ₦500 million. Right now, a 1,500-capacity lecture theatre and a 600-capacity hostel are under construction.”
Iyamu added that the EDU-Rescue Programme was launched to give children from poor backgrounds access to quality education.
This marks a new chapter for Edo State’s education workforce, reflecting Governor Okpebholo’s pledge to prioritise education and the welfare of teachers who remain the backbone of the State’s development.
The ceremony was also attended by key government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Umar Ikhilor, the Head of Service, Anthony Okugbonwa, and Special Advisers, amongst others.
Since assuming office, Okpebholo, undertaken bold and historic reforms that are transforming the State’s civil and public service into one of the most efficient and professional in the federation.
Edo State Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okungbowa, is championing the reforms on behalf of the administration.
One of the most remarkable reforms is Governor Okpebholo’s decision to end outsourced cleaning contracts and directly employ 1,000 cleaners as civil servants.
In addition, close to 2,000 new staff have been recruited across critical sectors: health, education, and agriculture, totaling the number of new employees to more than 3,000 in nearly a year.
