The Edo State Government has addressed recent public misinformation about the Edo State Graduate Development Programme (GDP), setting the record straight with official statements and detailed clarification.
In a press release dated June 28, 2025, the Head of Service, A. O. Okungbowa, Esq., emphasized that the Graduate Development Programme has not only continued under the current administration but has been significantly enhanced by the Governor, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo.
“Upon assuming office in November 2024, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, readily approved the continuation of the Edo State Graduate Development Programme without hesitation,” Okungbowa stated.
The GDP was originally designed to attract top-tier graduates into the state’s civil and public service, with automatic employment for first-class graduates of Edo origin, whether they studied in Nigeria or abroad, from the year 2020 onwards.
This initiative reflects a strong commitment to youth empowerment, graduate employment opportunities, and the long-term performance of Edo’s governance structure. By investing in young talents, the government seeks to boost efficiency and quality service delivery within the public sector.
Okungbowa noted that the program’s expansion under Governor Okpebholo includes the unprecedented introduction of fully-funded master’s degree sponsorships. This enhancement provides government-paid tuition and monthly stipends for selected enrollees before they officially resume duties within the workforce.
“To the best of our knowledge, and we welcome correction, no other state government in Nigeria currently offers such a comprehensive and forward-thinking initiative,” he added.
The new policy allows first-class graduates to pursue their academic goals without the usual two-year in-service requirement. Typically, civil servants are expected to work for two years before qualifying for in-service postgraduate sponsorship, depending on good conduct and performance. Governor Okpebholo, however, took a different approach.
“In his characteristic empathy and foresight, he reasoned that rather than stifle the academic advancement of these fresh graduates, they should be allowed to pursue their postgraduate education before assuming duties,” Okungbowa explained.
The Governor also offered to personally fund the tuition and stipends if legal restrictions made it impossible for the government to handle those costs.
This forward-looking policy has already started yielding results. According to the statement, application submissions from eligible candidates were accepted and compiled. A final list was submitted to the Governor, who approved the release of appointment letters in February 2025.
“Throughout this period, open and consistent communication, both online and offline, was maintained with the enrollees to provide updates on the enhancement of the programme,” Okungbowa stated.
During this engagement phase, it was discovered that some selected enrollees had already completed their master’s degrees. The information was communicated to the Governor, who swiftly directed that such individuals be allowed to resume duty without further delay.
Consequently, those enrollees were instructed to report to duty on Monday, June 24, 2025. Some have already resumed their positions, while others will proceed with their postgraduate studies under the new sponsorship arrangement.
Enrollees who are still in the process of securing admission have been advised to forward their admission letters to the Office of the Head of Service for prompt processing and funding support. This guidance is part of the government’s efforts to promote access to higher education, especially among young graduates.
This initiative also serves to create opportunities for career advancement, public service jobs in Nigeria, and state-sponsored postgraduate education, which are high-interest topics among Nigerian youths.
According to Okungbowa, “The Governor of Edo State, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the entire government remain resolute in building a knowledge-driven and progressive civil/public service.”
He continued, “His Excellency is fully committed to leaving no stone unturned in realizing this vision.”
The press release also made it clear that the programme remains active and on course despite attempts to misrepresent the government’s intentions. The Office of the Head of Service urged the media to seek verification before publication to ensure accurate reporting.
“I must, therefore, commend His Excellency for his keen attention to the growth and development of the Service, including the Graduate Development Programme, since assuming office,” Okungbowa said.
The statement ended by reassuring the public and all stakeholders that the Edo State Government, under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, remains dedicated to youth development, educational advancement, and transforming the civil/public service into a vibrant, knowledge-driven institution.
“All enquiries and correspondences concerning the Graduate Development Programme or other civil/public service initiatives should be directed to the Office of the Head of Service,” the press release concluded.
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