Edo Governor Okpebholo Clears N3bn Worker Debt as Education Reforms Spur Student Migration from Private Schools
BENIN CITY – A significant financial obligation to educators in Edo State is being swiftly addressed, with the state government confirming it has paid N3 billion of a N4.6 billion inherited debt owed to staff of the state-owned College of Education. The payment is part of a broader, aggressive push by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration to revitalize public education, a campaign that is already yielding tangible results, including a notable migration of students from private to public institutions.
Settling a Legacy Debt
The Edo State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Paddy Iyamu, disclosed the payment during a weekend interactive session with journalists. He stated that the governor directed immediate action upon reviewing the financial implications of the debt left by the immediate-past administration.
“When we did the calculation, it came up to N4.6 billion. I was afraid,” Iyamu recounted. “I went to the governor, and he said no problem, they worked for Edo, and we will use Edo money to pay them, and he immediately approved it.” This move signals a commitment to honoring state obligations to its workforce, a critical step in boosting morale within the public education sector.
Infrastructure Revival Drives Enrollment Shift
Beyond settling debts, the administration’s heavy investment in school infrastructure is fundamentally altering the educational landscape. Commissioner Iyamu revealed a striking trend: over 1,000 students moved from private to public schools in the last academic session alone.
“The governor has made it clear that we must give the children of the poor a seat at the table of success,” Iyamu stated, attributing the enrollment surge directly to the “massive renovation and rebuilding” of public schools. He provided concrete examples, noting that Army Day Secondary School absorbed 502 new students, Evbareke saw about 350, and Uyiosa (Otiku) enrolled over 300.
Comprehensive Reforms and Future-Proofing Education
The reforms extend beyond infrastructure. The Commissioner outlined a multi-pronged approach that includes:
Land Reclamation and Staff Welfare
To secure the school environment, the government has recovered 25 school lands that were illegally occupied. In a major boost for educators, the administration has also granted full employment status to 4,000 contract teachers hired by the previous government and an additional 1,000 employed by local communities.
Empowering Technical Education
In a bold move to promote skill acquisition, the government has made tuition free in all schools, including technical colleges. Furthermore, students in technical colleges now receive a N40,000 monthly stipend, a policy aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at reducing poverty and fostering economic growth.
“We met them in a sorry state, but things have changed,” Iyamu said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to building a robust education system that equips Edo youth with employable skills.
This report is based on information originally published by Leadership.