Edo State Government has restated its unwavering commitment to the State Graduate Development Programme (GDP), dismissing recent misleading narratives and clarifying that the initiative remains fully on course under the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
In a statement issued in Benin City, the Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okungbowa, emphasised that upon assuming office in November 2024, Governor Okpebholo swiftly approved the continuation of the program to attract the brightest minds into the state’s civil and public service.
Dr Okungbowa described the programme’s expansion as a visionary move aimed at strengthening governance and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
The programme guarantees automatic employment for first-class graduates of Edo origin who completed their studies from 2020 onwards, whether in Nigerian institutions or abroad.
According to him, a major enhancement to the scheme, introduced with the approval of Cohort 3 in November 2024, grants successful enrollees full government sponsorship for master’s degree programmes, including payment of tuition and monthly stipends prior to their formal absorption into the state’s workforce.
Dr Okungbowa reaffirmed Governor Okpebholo’s resolve to build a progressive and knowledge-based civil service, praising his keen attention to the growth and professional development of the service since taking office.
