Benin City erupted in jubilation on Wednesday as Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, officially absorbed over 5,000 contract teachers into the state’s civil service, granting them permanent appointments in the Ministry of Education.
The teachers, who had served for years on contract and earned a monthly stipend of ₦65,000 under the previous administration, received their employment letters during a ceremony held at Government House, Benin City. The event is being described as a landmark moment for the state’s education sector.
Governor Okpebholo, who personally supervised the distribution of the appointment letters, said the move reflects his administration’s commitment to improving teachers’ welfare and strengthening public education.
“Teachers, I am happy to see you,” the governor told the jubilant crowd. “I wanted it this way because I had asked several times if you had received your letters, and the answer was no. So, I decided to supervise the process myself. As you collect your appointment letters today, you will also receive transport fare because I know many of you have traveled long distances.”
He described teachers as critical to the state’s development, adding: “You are very important to us. Your reward is no longer in heaven; it is here, under our watch.”
Earlier, Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, commended the teachers for their dedication over the past three years despite working under difficult conditions.
“You have been suffering for years, yet you remained committed to educating our children,” Dr. Iyamu said. “Beautiful schools without teachers are useless. Today, an angel has come — a leader who thinks about your welfare day and night.”
He highlighted the Okpebholo administration’s investments in education, including the construction of over 68 schools in one year and increased funding for Ambrose Alli University from ₦41 million to ₦500 million.
He also noted ongoing projects such as a 1,500-capacity lecture theatre and a 600-capacity hostel, as well as the EDU-Rescue Programme aimed at expanding access to quality education for children from poor backgrounds.
The regularization of the teachers’ appointments, as noted by WorldClass247News, marks a major milestone in Edo State’s education reform agenda, underscoring Governor Okpebholo’s pledge to prioritize education and the welfare of those who power the sector.