Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced plans to recruit an additional 3,000 teachers to further strengthen teaching capacity and improve learning outcomes in the state’s public schools. This announcement underscores the administration’s commitment to education as a critical pillar of human and societal development.

The recruitment drive follows the formal employment of over 5,000 former casual teachers, whose appointment Governor Okpebholo personally facilitated just two weeks ago. This latest expansion is aimed at sustaining the momentum of educational reforms across Edo State.

Announcement During NUT Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation

Governor Okpebholo made the announcement while receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). The award recognized his exceptional leadership, educational reforms, and unwavering dedication to improving public schools across the state.

The ceremony took place at the Government House in Benin City, with the NUT leadership, led by State Chairman Bernard Ajobiewe, in attendance. Also present was Bernard Jormah Egwahide, the Acting Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State chapter, who commended the governor for his progressive educational policies.

“Teachers remain a top priority in our development agenda. We are building and renovating schools across Edo, and as infrastructure improves, so must manpower,” Governor Okpebholo said.

He further emphasized the need to ensure that no school lacks qualified teachers and that every child in Edo State has access to quality education in a conducive learning environment.

Ending Overcrowding and Combined Classes

Governor Okpebholo highlighted that the administration’s educational reforms had successfully addressed long-standing challenges in Edo’s public schools, particularly overcrowded classrooms and combined classes.

“Our goal is to ensure that every child receives attention and quality learning opportunities. The era of congested classrooms is over. Our new education policies have restored public confidence in the state’s school system,” he noted.

The governor reiterated that the recruitment of additional teachers would complement the ongoing school renovation and infrastructure enhancement programs, providing a more holistic approach to improving education standards in Edo State.

Appreciation to Edo Teachers

The governor expressed deep appreciation to teachers across Edo State for their dedication, patriotism, and critical role in shaping the future of the next generation.

“We acknowledge the sacrifices and hard work of our teachers. Their commitment to educating the youth is invaluable, and this new recruitment drive is our way of empowering and supporting them,” he said.

The governor also assured educators that the government would continue to provide capacity-building opportunities, modern teaching tools, and incentives to sustain high performance and motivation.

Impact of Recruitment on Edo Schools

The new recruitment initiative is expected to have several positive impacts on Edo’s education sector:

1. Enhanced Teaching Capacity: More teachers mean better teacher-to-student ratios, allowing for personalized attention and improved learning outcomes.

2. Reduction of Combined Classes: Schools will no longer need to merge classes due to insufficient staff, ensuring more effective lesson delivery.

3. Boost in Public Confidence: Adequate staffing reinforces the community’s trust in public education and encourages more enrollment in state schools.

4. Support for Educational Reforms: New teachers will complement infrastructure upgrades, modern learning resources, and curriculum improvements already implemented by the government.

Governor Okpebholo’s Vision for Education

Governor Okpebholo’s administration has placed education at the forefront of its development agenda, recognizing that the quality of human capital determines long-term economic growth and social stability.

“Investing in teachers is investing in the future. Our children deserve the best learning environment, and our policies are designed to guarantee that every student in Edo State can thrive academically,” the governor affirmed.

The recruitment of 3,000 additional teachers is expected to commence in the coming weeks, with appointments and postings designed to maximize impact across schools with the greatest staffing needs.