Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced plans to employ 3,000 additional teachers across the state as part of his administration’s ongoing effort to strengthen the education sector and improve learning outcomes.
This was disclosed in a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Wednesday. The governor made the announcement shortly after supervising the handing out of letters of employment to 5,000 teachers who had been on contract for several years under the previous administration.
The newly employed teachers, who were previously engaged under a contractual arrangement during the tenure of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, had been receiving a monthly stipend of ₦65,000. Their official appointment letters were presented during a ceremony held at the Government House in Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo, while addressing the gathering, emphasised the importance of the event and reiterated his government’s dedication to valuing teachers and improving the quality of education in Edo State.
“Teachers remain a top priority in our development agenda and the state has finalised plans to employ 3,000 additional teachers,” Okpebholo said. “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.”
In appreciation of the governor’s efforts, the Edo State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) paid a courtesy visit to the Government House on Tuesday, where it presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to the governor. The award, given in recognition of his exceptional reforms and commitment to repositioning the education sector, was presented by the NUT State Chairman, Bernard Ajobiewe, accompanied by the Acting Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State Chapter, Comrade Bernard Egwahide.
Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude for the award and thanked Edo teachers for their dedication and patriotism in shaping the state’s educational future. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education as the foundation for human development.
“Our administration has ended the era of overcrowded classrooms and combined classes that once defined public schools in Edo. The new education reforms have restored confidence in the system,” the governor said.
He further assured that his government would continue to focus on performance and results rather than political rivalry.
“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,” Okpebholo stated.
He also pledged continued collaboration with labour unions to promote industrial harmony and collective progress in the state. As part of his commitment to workers’ welfare, the governor announced plans to donate a bus to the NUT to enhance its statewide operations and monitoring activities across the 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,” Okpebholo added.
In his remarks, NUT Chairman Bernard Ajobiewe commended the governor for regularising the employment of over 5,000 Edo-Star teachers who had remained contract staff for more than three years. He said the development has restored dignity and motivation among teachers in the state.
“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, Comrade Bernard Egwahide praised the governor’s people-centered governance style and reaffirmed the NLC’s continued support for his administration.
“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 said.
Since assuming office, Governor Okpebholo has implemented several bold reforms aimed at transforming Edo State’s civil and public service into one of the most efficient and professional in the country. The Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, has been leading the reforms under the governor’s directive.
One of the major reforms under Okpebholo’s administration is the decision to end outsourced cleaning contracts and directly employ 1,000 cleaners as civil servants, a move aimed at promoting accountability and job security.
In addition to the teachers’ employment drive, nearly 2,000 new staff have been recruited into critical sectors including health, education, and agriculture, bringing the total number of new employees in the state to over 3,000 in less than one year.