…Promises better welfare, says teachers’ reward is here on earth
In a landmark move for the education sector, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has officially absorbed over 5,000 contract teachers into the State’s Ministry of Education as permanent staff.
The teachers, who had worked for years on contract under the previous administration with a monthly stipend of ₦65,000, were formally presented with their appointment letters during a ceremony held on Wednesday at the Government House, Benin City. The event has been widely hailed as historic for Nigeria’s education system.
Governor Okpebholo personally supervised the distribution of the appointment letters, underscoring the significance of the exercise and his administration’s commitment to valuing educators.
He said:
“Teachers, I am happy to see you. I wanted it this way because I had asked several times if you had received your letters and the answer was no. So, I decided to supervise the process myself. As you collect your appointment letters today, you will also receive transport fare because I know many of you have travelled long distances.”
The Governor emphasized the vital role teachers play in shaping the future of Edo State, adding:
“You are very important to us. Your reward is no longer in heaven; it is here, under our watch.”
Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, commended the teachers for their resilience and dedication over the past three years despite the challenges of working on contract.
Dr. Iyamu said:
“You have been suffering for years, yet you remained committed to educating our children, waking up at night to prepare lesson notes. Beautiful schools without teachers are useless. Today, an angel has come—a leader who thinks about your welfare day and night.”
He also highlighted Governor Okpebholo’s achievements in the education sector, including the construction of over 68 schools within one year to ensure quality learning for children from all backgrounds.
Dr. Iyamu added:
“He met Ambrose Alli University with a ₦41 million subvention and increased it to ₦500 million. Right now, a 1,500-capacity lecture theatre and a 600-capacity hostel are under construction.”
He further noted the launch of the EDU-Rescue Programme, aimed at providing access to quality education for children from low-income families.
This regularisation exercise marks a new chapter for Edo State’s education workforce, reflecting Governor Okpebholo’s pledge to prioritize education and the welfare of teachers, who remain the backbone of the state’s development.
The ceremony was attended by top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor Esq.; the Head of Service, Anthony Okugbonwa Esq.; Special Advisers, and other dignitaries.
