By Yemi Akinsuyi
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has been conferred with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Edo State Wing, in recognition of his exceptional reforms and commitment to repositioning the State’s education sector.
The award was presented to the Governor at the Government House, Benin City, during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the NUT, led by its State Chairman, Comrade Bernard Ajobiewe, in company of the Acting Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State chapter, Comrade Bernard Jormah Egwahide.
Governor Okpebholo expressed deep appreciation to Edo teachers for their diligence and patriotism in shaping the future of the State.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education as the cornerstone of human development, and announced plans to recruit an additional 3,000 teachers to strengthen teaching capacity and improve learning outcomes across public schools.
“Teachers remain a top priority in our development agenda. We are building and renovating schools across Edo, and as infrastructure improves, so must manpower. Our goal is to ensure that no school lacks qualified teachers and that every child receives quality education in a conducive learning environment,” the Governor said.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that his administration had put an end to the era of overcrowded classrooms and combined classes that once defined Edo’s public schools, noting that the new education reforms have already restored public confidence in the system.
He also reiterated that his government will not engage in political witch-hunts, but will allow performance and public perception to judge the actions of the previous administration.
“If the last administration had performed well, Edo people would have felt it. We are focused on rebuilding the system and restoring pride in our schools. My administration is committed to results, not rhetoric,” Okpebholo stated.
The Governor further assured continued collaboration with labour unions to sustain industrial harmony and drive collective progress.
He pledged to donate a bus to the NUT to facilitate its statewide operations and monitoring activities across Edo’s 18 local government areas.
“We will continue to maintain a strong working relationship with the NUT and all labour unions. The welfare of teachers remains the heart of our education reforms,” he added.
In his remarks, NUT Chairman, Comrade Bernard Ajobiewe, commended the Governor for regularising the employment of over 5,000 Edo-Star teachers, who had remained contract staff for more than three years under the previous administration.
“In less than a year, our story as teachers has changed from frustration to fulfilment. Governor Okpebholo has not only restored dignity to the teaching profession but has rekindled hope in public education. His actions demonstrate true leadership and empathy,” Ajobiewe said.
Similarly, Acting NLC Chairman, Comrade Bernard Jormah Egwahide, praised the Governor’s people-oriented leadership and promised the union’s continued support for his administration.
“We are grateful to a governor who listens, acts, and delivers. The workers of Edo State will stand by you as you continue to transform our education sector and fulfil your promises,” he affirmed.
