The Edo State Government has announced the absorption of 4,000 volunteer teachers under the EdoStar Teaching Programme and the recruitment of 500 new teachers to strengthen the state’s education system.
Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, made this known on Sunday in Benin during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration, themed “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.”
Iyamu said the move reflected Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to rewarding dedication and addressing the shortage of teachers in public primary and secondary schools.
“Come October 15, we are going to present letters of appointment to about 4,000 EdoStar volunteer teachers who have been teaching for the past three years,” he said. “In addition, the government will recruit another 500 teachers into the system.”
The commissioner explained that the gesture would end the era of prolonged probation for volunteer teachers and help bridge the manpower gap in schools across the state.
“Even an apprentice does not train for three years without confirmation,” he added, assuring that the teachers would receive their appointment letters at a public ceremony in Government House.
Iyamu also highlighted the government’s investments in infrastructure and training. He revealed that the state had built over 68 schools in less than one year and trained more than 6,000 teachers in digital and technical skills, including robotics and artificial intelligence, to enhance classroom delivery.
“When we build schools without teachers, they are just empty buildings,” he said. “We are investing in people who will shape our children’s future.”
He further announced that the government had institutionalised Teachers’ Fitness Day, to be marked every October 4, to promote teachers’ well-being. The commissioner added that Governor Okpebholo had approved the introduction of the Best Teacher Award for outstanding performance, to be celebrated every November 25.
Earlier, Mr Bernard Ajobiewe, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Edo Wing, commended the state government for implementing the N75,000 minimum wage, promoting teachers, and renovating schools.
However, he called for urgent recruitment of more teachers in rural areas. “If we renovate schools and there are no teachers, we have done nothing,” he said.
Ajobiewe also expressed concern over the dilapidated state of facilities in many schools across the state, especially in rural communities. He urged the government to implement financial benefits for promoted teachers and pay their accrued arrears.
The NUT chairman also opposed the proposed handing over of schools to missionaries, arguing that such a move could create inequities and make education inaccessible for marginalised groups.
On her part, Mrs Ebanehita Omonzane, Chairperson of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), urged teachers to continue shaping young minds with patience and integrity, describing them as “true nation builders.”
Delivering the keynote lecture, Comrade Joe Iyalekhue, retired Principal Assistant Secretary-General of the NUT, said collaboration remained key to effective teaching in modern education. “No teacher can succeed in isolation. Collaboration, not competition, is the future of education,” he said.