In a landmark move to strengthen the state’s education system, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday personally supervised the distribution of appointment letters to 5,000 teachers who had been serving on contract for years.
The ceremony, held at the Government House in Benin City, marked a major step in fulfilling the administration’s promise to prioritise education and reward the dedication of teachers across the state.
During the event, Governor Okpebholo expressed deep appreciation for the teachers’ resilience and commitment despite working under contract conditions with a monthly stipend of ₦65,000 during the previous administration.
Addressing the jubilant teachers, he 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, and 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.”
The governor emphasised the importance of educators in shaping the future of Edo State, stating that their efforts would be duly recognised.
“You are very important to us. Your reward is no longer in heaven; it is here, under our watch,” Okpebholo declared.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, praised the teachers for their unwavering dedication over the years, describing their appointment as “a well-deserved recognition of service.”
Iyamu highlighted the administration’s investments in education, including the construction of over 68 new schools within a year and the launch of the EDU-Rescue Programme aimed at providing quality education for children from low-income families.
He added, “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.”
The event was attended by top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor; Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa; and other senior advisers.
Governor Okpebholo’s administration has also implemented far-reaching reforms across the civil service, including the direct employment of 1,000 cleaners as civil servants—ending outsourced cleaning contracts—and the recruitment of nearly 2,000 new staff in critical sectors such as health, education, and agriculture.
The regularisation of 5,000 teachers’ employment underscores Edo State’s renewed commitment to quality education and fair labour practices, reaffirming Okpebholo’s vision to build a productive, people-centered government.
— Hobnob News
