Benin City – In a momentous ceremony at Government House, Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has fulfilled a landmark promise absorbing over 5,000 contract teachers into the State’s Ministry of Education as permanent staff ending years of uncertainty and monthly ₦65,000 stipend under predecessor Godwin Obaseki administration.
Governor Okpebholo personally oversaw distribution of appointment letters at the Wednesday event hailing historic Nigeria’s education sector. “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 traveled long distances,” Okpebholo said.
Okpebholo underscored educators’ pivotal role in Edo State’s future affirming government’s commitment to teacher welfare. “You are very important to us. Your reward is no longer in heaven; it is here, under our watch,” he declared. Education Commissioner Dr. Paddy Iyamu lauded teachers’ steadfastness despite contract hardships expressing profound appreciation for their perseverance.
“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,” Dr. Iyamu remarked. Iyamu highlighted Okpebholo administration’s education strides including construction of 68-plus schools in one year benefiting diverse children.
Dr. Iyamu noted Ambrose Alli University subvention jumped from ₦41 million to record ₦500 million under Okpebholo; ongoing projects encompass 1,500-capacity lecture theatre, 600-capacity hostel. EDU-Rescue Programme launched aiding poor children’s quality education reflecting Okpebholo’s education/welfare prioritization for teachers as backbone of state’s progress.
The Ceremony witnessed key officials such as Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Head of Service, Anthony Okugbonwa, Special Advisers, affirming government’s dedication to educators pivotal Edo development. Okpebholo’s step heralds new chapter in Edo State education workforce valuing teachers’ indispensable contributions.
