Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has been honoured with the prestigious Governor of the Year Award in the education sector. The award, presented by the New Telegraph Newspapers, recognises the monumental achievements of his administration in revitalising education across the state.
A Legacy of Infrastructure and Investment
The award committee highlighted the governor's unprecedented focus on educational development within his first year in office. Over 100 new schools have been constructed, providing modern learning environments for students. Furthermore, to ensure quality instruction, the administration has employed more than 6,000 new teachers, significantly boosting the teacher-to-student ratio.
A major financial commitment was also made to tertiary institutions. The monthly subvention to Ambrose Alli University (AAU) in Ekpoma was increased from N41 million to a staggering N500 million. Similarly, Edo University in Iyamho saw its monthly allocation rise from N25 million to N250 million. This massive injection of funds is aimed at improving facilities, research, and overall academic standards.
Technical Education and Digital Transformation
Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, detailed other key accomplishments. The government has constructed new workshops, procured sophisticated equipment, and strengthened technical colleges statewide to boost vocational training.
In a move towards a digital future, the administration has completed the digitalisation of certificates across all schools. This initiative allows alumni to access their academic credentials from anywhere in the world, simplifying verification processes for employment and further studies.
Resolving Crises and Building Partnerships
The Okpebholo administration has also been proactive in solving long-standing academic dilemmas. It successfully resolved the predicament of 128 AAU medical students and 810 nursing graduates who faced delays in their induction ceremonies for up to four years after graduation.
Additionally, the governor intervened to assist over 1,000 students with admission irregularities with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), enabling their mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
Strategic partnerships form a cornerstone of the governor's strategy. International collaborations have enabled teachers and students to study abroad. A partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) led to the construction of a six-kilometre internal road network at the state-owned polytechnic in Usen, the first such project in the institution's 23-year history.
Furthermore, a collaboration with the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) seeks to ensure that no student in Edo's tertiary institutions is sent home due to an inability to pay tuition fees. The government has also reintroduced bursary payments to students after a 20-year hiatus.
Ongoing Projects and Future Outlook
The work is far from over. Current projects include the construction of a 600-capacity hostel at AAU and a dual-purpose 500-seat lecture theatre at the same university. To improve access and safety, the government is dualising the Ekpoma Road with concrete and installing street lights, a project supported by President Bola Tinubu.
Commissioner Iyamu emphasised that teacher welfare remains a top priority, stating that educators in the state "have never had it so good." He noted that the New Telegraph award is a well-deserved recognition that will motivate Governor Okpebholo to achieve even more for the people of Edo State.
The formal award ceremony is scheduled to take place later in the year.
