Education: Assessing Okpebholo’s one year in office

On November 12, 2024, when Senator Monday Okpebholo assumed the role of governor of Edo State, he declared education as one of his key focus areas. This commitment was evident shortly thereafter when he appointed Dr. Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu as the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, marking one of the governor's initial appointments. Dr. Iyamu has since transitioned to the position of Commissioner for Education in the state.

A year is a sufficient period to assess the trajectory of a government concerning a specific sector. Although challenges remain, the state government has made notable progress in education. Evaluating Governor Okpebholo's accomplishments in the education sector over the past year is particularly relevant given that his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, received high marks for his performance in this area, notably through the EdoBEST Initiative.

To date, Governor Okpebholo's contributions to education include declaring a state of emergency in the sector, which has resulted in a substantial increase in funding for Ambrose Alli University, as well as the construction of over 68 new schools and extensive renovations throughout the state. He has also prioritized teacher welfare by hiring 5,000 new educators, reinstating staff who were unlawfully dismissed, and regularizing the employment terms of over 4,000 contract teachers. His administration is enacting policies aimed at enhancing student learning, such as the EDU-Rescue Programme, revitalizing vocational training, and mandating the teaching of Edo indigenous languages in schools.

In the realm of infrastructure and resources, new educational institutions have been established, and extensive renovations of existing ones have been carried out, which include the provision of furniture and boreholes. Additionally, there has been a reassessment of funding for tertiary institutions, including Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma, alongside the construction of new lecture halls and hostels. The installation of facilities such as solar lighting and VIP toilets in public schools has also been completed, while the launch of EdoCert 2.0 aims to enable students to access their academic records online.

Support for students and learning has been enhanced with the introduction of the EDU-Rescue Programme, which was initiated to deliver quality education to underprivileged children.

To ensure that no child in Edo is overlooked and to foster inclusivity, a bursary scheme for indigent students has been established, and the state has adopted the Federal Government’s NELFund programme.

The state government also intends to implement digital learning platforms, vocational training, and mentorship programmes to facilitate skills acquisition. Furthermore, it has approved the mandatory teaching of Edo indigenous languages in schools throughout the state, while also reviving civic education, guidance and counselling, and moral reorientation programmes.

Through the Ministry of Education, the state government has entered into strategic partnerships with foreign organizations and institutions, including Fujian Jiangxia University in China. These agreements are designed to significantly benefit state-owned higher education institutions.

The focus of these partnerships is on advanced research, student and faculty exchange programmes, engineering, electronics, and technological development, thereby positioning Edo State as a leader in educational innovation within Nigeria and beyond.

According to Dr. Iyamu: “Education serves as the cornerstone of progress, and by linking our institutions with global centers of excellence such as Fujian University, we are equipping Edo youths for the future—armed with the skills, knowledge, and international exposure necessary to foster development in engineering, technology, and innovation, enabling them to thrive wherever life may lead them.”

As a result of the advancements and transformations witnessed in the education sector over the past year, numerous recognitions and awards have been bestowed upon the state government and its officials. Recently, the House of Lords in the United Kingdom awarded the state, through Iyamu, the Distinguished Euroknowledge Outstanding Leadership in Education Development. The House of Lords represents the upper chamber of the British Parliament.

This recognition followed the recent conferment of a Fellowship from the Centre for African Research on Enterprise and Economic Development at the University of West Scotland, United Kingdom, awarded to Iyamu.

In response to the award, Iyamu remarked: “This is yet another accolade for the already well-decorated achievements of the Edo State Government in the realm of educational development. It signifies that our efforts in this sector are being acknowledged both domestically and internationally. I extend my gratitude to Governor Monday Okpebholo for prioritizing the welfare and development of Edo youths and for his unwavering support of the initiatives my team and I are implementing in the Ministry of Education.

“We will not become complacent. This serves as a call to enhance our service and efforts, and education in Edo State is poised to reach even greater heights.”