Education has always been the bedrock of every society that aspires to greatness. It is the forge where children are shaped into responsible citizens, innovators, and leaders. But in Edo State—like in most parts of Nigeria—that forge has long been weakened by exploitation, misplaced priorities, and shallow definitions of learning.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, working through the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, has rolled out bold reforms aimed at restoring order, reducing financial burdens on parents, and preparing Edo children not just for exams but for life beyond the classroom.
Tackling Exploitative Graduation Ceremonies
One of the most striking reforms is the ban on lavish graduation ceremonies in pre-nursery, nursery, primary, and junior secondary schools. Over the years, these events became extravagant carnivals that drained parents’ pockets while doing little to advance learning.
Children barely able to read were being paraded in rented gowns, while families spent beyond their means on cakes, photoshoots, and parties. By outlawing such premature celebrations, Governor Okpebholo has redefined progression in education—not as a circus, but as a solemn journey of growth and discipline.
Standardizing Textbooks, Reducing Costs
Another major relief for parents comes in the area of textbooks. For decades, families were forced to buy “new editions” almost yearly, even when changes were superficial. This practice not only deepened inequality but also commercialized education at the expense of learning.
Under the new policy, textbooks are standardized for at least four years, and siblings are allowed to reuse books. This saves families significant costs and re-establishes education as a right, not a racket.
Embedding Skills in Secondary Education
Perhaps the most groundbreaking reform is the introduction of compulsory skill acquisition for all students starting from JSS3.
For too long, Nigeria’s education system has produced certificate-rich but skill-poor graduates—young people fluent in theory but unable to apply knowledge in practical ways. Okpebholo’s policy addresses this imbalance head-on.
From garment making to solar installation, GSM repairs to agriculture, digital literacy to event management, Edo students will now graduate with not only academic knowledge but also practical skills that can generate income and employment.
A 14-year-old who learns tailoring alongside algebra could start a business even before gaining university admission. A teenager skilled in solar technology could join Nigeria’s growing renewable energy sector. By aligning education with real-world opportunities, the state is preparing its youth for a dynamic and unpredictable future.
Redefining Education Beyond Certificates
At its core, Okpebholo’s reforms carry a deeper philosophy: education should nurture the intellect, the hands, the heart, and character. It should be about discipline, creativity, and resilience—not just passing exams.
These reforms are not just administrative changes; they are moral and social corrections. They strip away vanity, ease financial burdens, and empower students to face the world with confidence and competence.
A New Chapter for Edo’s Future
Reform is never easy, but leadership is about challenging comfort zones to achieve what is necessary. If fully embraced, these policies may one day be remembered as the beginning of an educational renaissance in Edo State.
Generations of children will benefit: spared from wasteful graduation carnivals, freed from exploitative textbook cycles, and empowered with life-changing skills.
Governor Okpebholo has shown that true leadership is not only about roads and contracts, but about reshaping lives and securing the future. In his words and actions, education is being redefined—not as pomp and paper, but as substance, survival, and destiny.
