In a significant boost for Edo State’s education sector, Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has been recognised as the Governor of the Year in Education by New Telegraph Newspapers. The award highlights the transformative policies and investments his administration has delivered in his first year in office.
This accolade comes against the backdrop of a determined push to reform and strengthen every layer of learning in the state. It is scheduled to be formally presented to him at a ceremony later in the year, cementing his growing reputation as a leader focused on human capital development.
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A New Chapter for Schools and Teachers in Edo State
Under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, more than 100 new schools have been built across the state, easing overcrowding and bringing classrooms closer to children in both urban and rural communities. Efforts to recruit and retain educators have been equally impressive, with the employment of over 6,000 teachers in public schools. These moves are intended to improve the pupil-to-teacher ratio and raise education standards.
Education officials within the state have pointed to the substantial increase in government subsidies to tertiary institutions as evidence of a proactive strategy. At Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma, monthly subvention was raised from ₦41 million to ₦500 million, a move widely welcomed by academic stakeholders. Similar increases were recorded for Edo State University at Iyamho.
Commissioner for Education Dr Paddy Iyamu outlined other improvements, including the construction of modern workshops and the acquisition of sophisticated equipment for technical colleges. Partnerships with international institutions have opened avenues for students and teachers to study abroad and gain cutting-edge skills from global education centres.
Digital Innovation and Student Support Measures
One of the notable innovations credited to the administration has been the digitalisation of academic certificates and school records. This reform ensures students can access their credentials electronically from anywhere, tackling longstanding challenges in verification and retrieval of essential documents.
Other infrastructure achievements include the construction of a six-kilometre internal road within Usen Polytechnic after more than two decades without development, done through a partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission. Also underway is the dualisation of Ekpoma Road with durable concrete surfacing and street lights, supported by the Federal Government to ease travel for commuters and students alike.
The government has also revived the long-dormant practice of bursary payments for students, providing financial relief after twenty years. These bursaries are designed to support learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, making education more accessible.
Addressing Barriers to Movement and Academic Progress
Governor Okpebholo’s leadership has extended to resolving administrative issues that have hindered young graduates from advancing into national service. For instance, 128 medical graduates from Ambrose Alli University who had been unable to be inducted for four years finally received clearance to proceed with their National Youth Service Corps mobilisation. Similarly, 810 nursing graduates and over 1,000 students facing irregularities with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board were supported to get rightly processed.
These interventions reflect efforts to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks that previously slowed the career progression of deserving young Nigerians. In doing so, the administration is not just investing in infrastructure but also in human potential and future workforce readiness.
A Broader Vision for Educational Excellence
Beyond physical infrastructure, Edo State has pursued strategic partnerships designed to benefit the sector’s long-term viability. Engagements with organisations such as the National Economic Reconstruction Fund have aimed to prevent students from being turned away due to unpaid school fees, ensuring that financial hardship does not deny access to higher education.
Teacher welfare has also been a cornerstone of Okpebholo’s education agenda. Investments in training, employment security, and workplace environment improvements form part of broader reforms aimed at professionalising teaching and making it an attractive career. These moves have helped restore morale within the workforce and enhance service delivery.
Earlier in the year, the Nigerian Union of Teachers in Edo State honoured the governor with a Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging his commitment to uplifting the teaching profession and reshaping public confidence in education across the state. Plans were also announced to recruit an additional 3,000 teachers to meet growing demand.
What the Award Means for Edo’s Future
Recognition as Governor of the Year in Education places Senator Okpebholo among a select group of leaders nationally who are making measurable impacts in learning and skill development. The accolade does not merely celebrate past achievements; it signals widespread approval of a transformational agenda that prioritises investment in people and systemic improvements.
Education experts have noted that such wide-ranging reforms position Edo State as a potential model for others seeking to revamp their own education systems. From teacher recruitment and retention to robust infrastructure and technology integration, the blueprint has drawn attention for its comprehensiveness.
As Edo State looks ahead to the formal award ceremony, stakeholders from across the education sector are hopeful that national recognition will attract further support, partnerships, and resources. These could amplify the gains already recorded and sustain the momentum towards a strong, resilient, and inclusive education system.
In the months and years to come, the success of these policies and investments will be judged not just by the trophies collected but by the lasting improvement in the quality of learning, employment readiness of graduates, and the empowerment of teachers who form the backbone of the sector.
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