Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has unveiled sweeping reforms in the education sector, promising every child access to quality learning that prepares them for the future.
The announcement, made through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, detailed a comprehensive plan coordinated by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu.
At the heart of the reforms is the transformation of public schools into modern learning centres with STEM laboratories, upgraded classrooms, sanitation facilities, and essential teaching resources.
The “EduRescue Initiative” is also targeting out-of-school children, reintegrating them into classrooms with free books and materials to ensure inclusivity.
Recognising teachers as the backbone of the system, the government is investing in their recruitment, training, and digital empowerment. Teachers now use tablets and standardised lesson scripts to deliver consistent, high-quality instruction.
“No education system can rise above the quality of its teachers,” Dr. Iyamu declared.
Every junior secondary school student will graduate with a trade certification, equipping them with employable skills alongside academic knowledge. Technical colleges in Igarra, Irrua, and Benin are being revitalised, while a new National College is under construction in Ovia.
Miracle centres and unregulated schools are being shut down, while collaborations with WAEC and NECO are strengthening the fight against examination malpractice.
Higher education is also benefitting. Ambrose Alli University is bEuilding two 1,500-seat lecture theatres and a 600-bed hostel, while Usen Polytechnic is finally seeing progress on a 5km road abandoned for over 20 years. The launch of EdoCert 2.0 has digitised records, allowing students to access certificates online without delays.
A bursary scheme has been introduced for indigent students, and the state has adopted the Federal Government’s NELFund to ensure no child is excluded due to financial hardship.
Beyond academics, civic education, moral instruction, counselling, and sports like the Principals’ Cup are being revived to instil discipline, teamwork, and leadership.
“Our long-term ambition is for Edo to become the national model of education reform,” said Dr. Iyamu. “We want our children not only to be literate but also globally competitive, entrepreneurial, and future-ready.”
