The Edo State Government has commenced the training of more than 3,200 teachers across the state who are due for promotion, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening the education sector and improving teachers’ welfare.
The training exercise, held at Idia College, brought together about 2,200 teachers from the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and over 1,000 teachers from the Edo State Senior Secondary Education Board (SSEB) and the Edo State Board for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (BTVET).
Speaking at the event, the Edo State Head of Service congratulated the beneficiaries and conveyed the commitment of Governor Monday Okpebholo to the welfare of civil servants. He stated that under the governor’s administration, civil servants would receive their entitlements promptly.
According to him, the governor’s recent recognition as Governor of the Year in Education reflects his administration’s dedication to repositioning the education sector and prioritizing teachers’ welfare.
“It is important that every teacher, because of the value placed on them, is promoted as and when due. That is why this exercise is taking place today,” he said.
Declaring the training open, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, described Governor Okpebholo as an education-focused leader committed to overhauling the sector to ensure inclusive access to quality education.
Dr. Iyamu commended the teachers for their dedication and emphasized that while the government continues to build conducive learning environments, it is equally focused on equipping teachers with the intellectual and technical capacity needed to deliver quality instruction.
“As we build quality and conducive learning environments, we must also ensure that the teachers who man these schools are well-equipped and motivated to deliver their best. A building without a teacher is an effort in futility,” he said.
He further urged participants to see their promotion as a call to greater responsibility, assuring them that the government remains committed to sustaining career progression within the teaching profession.
“We began by absorbing over 5,000 contract teachers into the service, and today we are training over 3,000 for promotion. This promotion is here to stay. Teaching is a noble profession, and what is due to you will be given,” he added.
In her remarks, Mrs. Joy Enadeghe expressed appreciation to the governor for declaring zero tolerance for promotion arrears, noting that prolonged stagnation can demotivate teachers.
“I want to thank the Governor for remembering the teachers. We are truly grateful,” she said, commending the administration’s continued focus on improving access to quality education for every child in Edo State.
Among the facilitators at the event were the Chairman of SSEB, Dr. Rita Erewele; Director-General of the Edo State Directorate of Education Quality Assurance (EDEQA), Dr. Amen Ogbemudia; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands and Housing, Dr. Joy Akhigbe; and Board Member representing Edo Central BTVET, Mr. Peter Akore.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Chairman of SUBEB; the Chairman of BTVET, Barr. Mrs. Onomen Briggs; and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Edith Ebomoyi, among others.
