The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has unveiled plans to recruit 3,000 additional teachers to strengthen the state’s public education system, a move described as a cornerstone of his administration’s commitment to transforming the education sector.
The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Edo State Wing, at the Government House in Benin City, where the Governor was also conferred with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his exceptional reforms in education.
The recruitment initiative aims to address teacher shortages, enhance teaching capacity, and improve learning outcomes across public schools in Edo State.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the new hires would complement ongoing efforts to eliminate overcrowded classrooms and end the practice of combined classes, which had previously hindered effective learning.
“As we build and renovate schools across Edo, we must also improve manpower. Our goal is to ensure no school lacks qualified teachers and that every child receives quality education in a conducive environment,” the Governor stated.
The NUT, led by its State Chairman, Comrade Bernard Ajobiewe, praised the Governor’s proactive approach, particularly highlighting his recent regularization of over 5,000 Edo-Star teachers, who had been contract staff for over three years under the previous administration.
“In less than a year, Governor Okpebholo has restored dignity to the teaching profession and rekindled hope in public education,” Ajobiewe said, noting that the new recruitment plan would further solidify these gains.
The Acting Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State chapter, Comrade Bernard Jormah Egwahide, also commended the Governor’s people-oriented leadership, assuring continued support from workers for his transformative agenda. “We are grateful to a governor who listens, acts, and delivers,” Egwahide said.
In addition to the recruitment announcement, Governor Okpebholo pledged to donate a bus to the NUT to support its operations and monitoring activities across Edo’s 18 local government areas.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with labour unions to ensure industrial harmony and drive progress in the education sector.
The Governor’s reforms have already begun to restore public confidence in Edo’s public schools, with a focus on results-driven governance.
“Teachers are a top priority in our development agenda. We are rebuilding the system and restoring pride in our schools,” Okpebholo affirmed, distancing his administration from political witch-hunts and emphasizing performance as the measure of success.
The recruitment of 3,000 teachers is expected to mark a significant milestone in Edo State’s education reform journey, positioning the state as a model for quality public education in Nigeria.
