Okpebholo Regularises 5,000 Contract Teachers in Edo State

By Deborah Oladapo

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has formally absorbed over 5,000 contract teachers into the State’s Ministry of Education as permanent staff — a move described by many as a landmark reform in Nigeria’s education sector.

The governor personally supervised the distribution of the appointment letters at a ceremony held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the Government House, Benin City.

According to a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the teachers had been engaged on contract during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, earning a monthly stipend of ₦65,000.

Speaking during the event, Governor Okpebholo said he chose to personally oversee the process to ensure transparency and demonstrate his administration’s commitment to the welfare of teachers.

“Teachers, I am happy to see you. I wanted it this way because I had asked several times if you had received your letters. 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 traveled long distances,” he said.

The governor described teachers as vital to the state’s development and pledged continued investment in their welfare.
“You are very important to us. Your reward is no longer in heaven; it is here, under our watch,” he added.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, commended the teachers for their perseverance during the years they served on contract, praising their dedication despite limited resources.

“You have been suffering for years, yet you have stayed 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,” Iyamu said.

The commissioner also highlighted the government’s recent achievements in the education sector, noting that over 68 schools have been constructed within one year under the Okpebholo administration. He further disclosed that the subvention to Ambrose Alli University was increased from ₦41 million to ₦500 million, with a 1,500-capacity lecture theatre and a 600-capacity hostel currently under construction.

Iyamu added that the newly introduced EDU-Rescue Programme was designed to provide children from disadvantaged backgrounds access to quality education.

The ceremony was attended by key government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor; the Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa; and other senior aides and advisers.

The event marks a significant milestone in Governor Okpebholo’s education reform agenda, aimed at strengthening manpower, restoring dignity to the teaching profession, and enhancing learning outcomes across Edo State.