ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday personally oversaw the distribution of letters of employment to 5,000 teachers across the state.
For years, the teachers had served on contract with a monthly stipend of N65,000 under the administration of Godwin Obaseki, but were officially given their appointment letters during a ceremony held at Government House on Wednesday.
Governor Okpebholo highlighted the importance of the event and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to recognising and rewarding educators.
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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 pivotal role of teachers in shaping the state’s future, stressing his government’s dedication to improving their welfare.
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 hardships of working as contract staff.
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.”
He also outlined the achievements of Governor Okpebholo’s administration in the education sector, citing the construction of over 68 schools within one year to benefit children across different communities.
He said, “He met Ambrose Alli University with a N41 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 introduced to provide children from low-income families with access to quality education.
This landmark regularisation marks a significant milestone for Edo State’s education workforce, fulfilling Governor Okpebholo’s promise to prioritise education and enhance the welfare of teachers, who remain the foundation of the state’s development.
The ceremony was attended by top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, the Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, and several Special Advisers, among others.
Since assuming office, Governor Okpebholo has initiated bold and transformative reforms aimed at making Edo State’s civil and public service one of the most efficient and professional in the country.
The Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, is spearheading these reforms on behalf of the administration.
One of the most notable measures includes the Governor’s decision to end outsourced cleaning contracts and directly employ 1,000 cleaners as civil servants.
Additionally, nearly 2,000 new employees have been recruited across critical sectors such as health, education, and agriculture bringing the total number of new hires to over 3,000 within less than a year.