Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday, conducted an inspection tour of several schools in the state, expressing concern over the deplorable conditions of facilities and the poor state of learning environments.
During his visit, the Governor highlighted issues of dilapidated infrastructure, poor sanitation, and inadequate security at the schools, promising urgent intervention to address the problems.
Accompanied by the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Paddy Iyamu, and other government officials, Governor Okpebholo visited multiple schools, including Eweka Primary School Obazagbon, Oroma Primary School Amagba, Amagba Secondary School, and Uyiosa Primary School in Oredo Local Government Area.
At Eweka Primary School Obazagbon, Governor Okpebholo was visibly upset by the state of the school.
He criticized the previous administration’s “Edobest” program, which was supposed to improve the state of education but had instead left the facilities in disrepair.
“This is the so-called EdoBest, and it is unacceptable. My administration will fix this school,” the Governor stated. He further promised that work would begin immediately, with plans to fence the school and make significant improvements. He set a deadline for the following week, vowing to return and inspect the progress of the work.
Governor Okpebholo also addressed the staffing issues at the school, noting that there were only five teachers at Eweka Primary School, despite the large number of students. “We will correct these wrongs and ensure that every child has access to quality education. We will provide the necessary infrastructure to support the learning environment,” he added.
Moving on to Oroma Primary School Amagba, the Governor again criticized the state of the school under the previous administration, calling the condition a reflection of the failed “Edobest” initiative. “This is what PDP’s Edobest has given us. But we will bring our renewed hope agenda for Edo people,” Governor Okpebholo stated. He assured the community that significant changes would be made at the school, including construction projects and provision of necessary resources. The Governor emphasized that his administration would focus on providing the necessary infrastructure and materials to support the students.
At Amagba Secondary School, Governor Okpebholo highlighted another pressing issue—land encroachment by unauthorized individuals. He promised to take immediate action, including fencing the school to prevent further encroachment and ensure the safety of the school grounds. “This school will be secured, and we will not tolerate any further encroachment on its land,” the Governor said.
The final stop on the tour was Uyiosa Primary School in Uzebu Community, where the Governor expressed his dissatisfaction with the dilapidated conditions and pledged to rebuild the school entirely. He also promised to enhance security at the school to ensure that students could learn in a safe and conducive environment. Residents of the area, many of whom had witnessed years of neglect, welcomed the Governor’s promise to restore the school to a functional state.
Paddy Iyamu, Chairman of SUBEB, also spoke about the dire state of education facilities across the state. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that every child in Edo has access to proper education and infrastructure. “The situation we encountered here yesterday was truly alarming. This is the only government school in this community, yet it lacks the basic infrastructure, learning materials, and classrooms,” Iyamu stated.
He further criticized the previous administration, mentioning that the CORA City project led by Governor Godwin Obaseki claimed to have built a facility nearby, but the reality on the ground was starkly different. “There are no proper classrooms, no learning materials, and no infrastructure. This school is not habitable. But with Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, we are committed to providing the necessary resources for our children,” Iyamu said.
Governor Okpebholo’s visit to these schools underscores his administration’s commitment to improving the state of education in Edo. He has made it clear that the well-being and education of the state’s children are a top priority, with an emphasis on addressing the long-standing issues that have plagued the educational sector. His renewed focus on infrastructure, proper staffing, and security is expected to bring significant changes to the education system in the state.
The Governor’s promises to rebuild schools, provide necessary resources, and secure educational properties have sparked optimism among residents and stakeholders. Many are hopeful that these changes will not only improve the physical infrastructure of schools but also create an environment conducive to effective learning and development for students across Edo State.
Governor Okpebholo’s administration has pledged to prioritize education and ensure that every child in Edo State receives the quality education they deserve, in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. With immediate action promised on various fronts, the Governor’s inspection tour marks the beginning of what many hope will be a new chapter for education in Edo State.
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