ABUJA, Nigeria ( VOICE OF NAIJA))-Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has unveiled plans to employ 3,000 additional teachers across the state.
This was announced in a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Wednesday.
Last week, Governor Okpebholo personally supervised the distribution of employment letters to 5,000 teachers, who had previously served as contract staff earning a monthly stipend of N65,000 under the administration of Godwin Obaseki.
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The event took place at the Government House, marking their formal integration into the state’s civil service.
The governor described the event as a milestone in his administration’s efforts to recognise and reward the contributions of educators.
In appreciation, the Edo State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) visited the Government House on Tuesday to present the governor with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his reforms and dedication to revitalising education in Edo State.
The award was presented by NUT State Chairman, Bernard Ajobiewe, alongside the Acting Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State chapter, Comrade Bernard Egwahide.
In response, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his commitment to education and announced that plans had been finalised to recruit 3,000 new teachers to boost manpower and improve learning outcomes in public schools.
Okpebholo expressed gratitude to Edo teachers for their hard work and patriotism, describing education as the foundation of human development.
“Teachers remain a top priority in our development agenda and the state has finalised plans to employ 3000 additional teachers.
We are building and renovating schools across Edo, and as infrastructure improves, so must manpower. Our goal is to ensure that no school lacks qualified teachers and that every child receives quality education in a conducive learning environment,” the governor said.
He added that his administration had ended the era of overcrowded classrooms and combined classes that once plagued public schools, stressing that ongoing reforms were restoring public confidence in the education system.
Governor Okpebholo also stated that his government would not engage in political witch-hunts, but rather focus on delivering tangible results.
“If the last administration had performed well, the Edo people would have felt it. We are focused on rebuilding the system and restoring pride in our schools. My administration is committed to results, not rhetoric,” he declared.
He assured continuous collaboration with labour unions to maintain industrial harmony and promote collective progress.
The governor also pledged to donate a bus to the NUT to support its statewide operations and monitoring across Edo’s 18 local government areas.
“We will continue to maintain a strong working relationship with the NUT and all labour unions. The welfare of teachers remains the heart of our education reforms,” he added.
In his remarks, Ajobiewe commended the governor for regularising the employment of more than 5,000 Edo-Star teachers, who had been on contract for over three years under the previous administration.
“In less than a year, our story as teachers has changed from frustration to fulfilment. Governor Okpebholo has not only restored dignity to the teaching profession but has rekindled hope in public education. His actions demonstrate true leadership and empathy,” Ajobiewe said.
Similarly, Egwahide lauded the governor’s people-centered leadership style and pledged the union’s ongoing support.
“We are grateful to a governor who listens, acts, and delivers. The workers of Edo State will stand by you as you continue to transform our education sector and fulfil your promises,” he affirmed.
Since taking office, Governor Okpebholo has introduced bold and transformative reforms aimed at making Edo’s civil and public service one of the most efficient and professional in Nigeria.
Under the leadership of Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, the administration has implemented several key changes, including the abolition of outsourced cleaning contracts and the direct employment of 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 under the Okpebholo administration to over 3,000 within one year.