Okpebholo Regularises 1,000 Contract Teachers, Promises Better Welfare

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday formally issued appointment letters to over 1,000 contract teachers, officially regularising their employment status.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, the teachers had been engaged under the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki, receiving a monthly stipend of ?65,000.

Governor Okpebholo, who personally supervised the distribution of the letters at the Government House in Benin City, said the move demonstrated his administration’s commitment to valuing educators and strengthening the state’s education system.

“Teachers, I am happy to see you. I wanted it this way because I had asked several times if you had received your letters — the answer was no. So, I decided to supervise the process myself,” the governor said.

“As you collect your appointment letters today, you will also receive transport fare because I know many of you have travelled long distances.”

‘Your Reward Is Here, Not in Heaven’

The governor praised the teachers for their dedication and described them as critical to shaping the state’s future.

“You are very important to us. Your reward is no longer in heaven; it is here, under our watch,” he added.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, lauded the teachers’ perseverance over the years, despite operating under difficult conditions.

“You have been suffering for years, yet you have stayed committed to educating our children, waking up at night to prepare lesson notes. Beautiful schools without teachers are useless,” Iyamu said.
“Today, an angel has come — a leader who thinks about your welfare day and night.”

68 Schools Built in One Year

Iyamu also outlined some of the administration’s recent achievements in the education sector, including the construction of 68 schools across the state within one year.

He further noted that Governor Okpebholo had increased the monthly subvention to Ambrose Alli University from ?41 million to ?500 million, with new projects such as a 1,500-capacity lecture theatre and a 600-bed hostel currently under construction.

The commissioner also highlighted the launch of the EDU-Rescue Programme, designed to provide children from low-income families with access to quality education.

“This historic regularisation marks a new chapter for Edo State’s education workforce,” the statement concluded, “reflecting Governor Okpebholo’s pledge to prioritise education and the welfare of teachers, who remain the backbone of the state’s development.”