Benin City- The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Edo State Wing, in recognition of his outstanding reforms and commitment to revamping the state’s education sector.
The award was presented to the Governor at the Government House, Benin City, during a courtesy visit by the NUT leadership, led by its State Chairman, Comrade Bernard Ajobiewe, alongside the Acting Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State chapter, Comrade Bernard Jormah Egwahide.
Governor Okpebholo, while expressing gratitude to Edo teachers for their dedication and patriotism, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education as a core driver of human development. He announced that the recruitment of an additional 3,000 teachers was underway to strengthen manpower and improve learning outcomes across public schools in the state.
“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.
He emphasized that his administration has ended the era of overcrowded classrooms and combined classes that once plagued public schools, adding that the ongoing education reforms have restored public confidence in the system.
Okpebholo also noted that his government will not engage in political witch-hunts but will allow performance and public judgment to define the legacy 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,” he stated.
The Governor further assured continuous collaboration with labour unions to maintain industrial harmony, pledging to donate a bus to the NUT to enhance its statewide operations and monitoring activities across the 18 local government areas.
In his remarks, NUT Chairman, Comrade Bernard Ajobiewe, lauded Governor Okpebholo for regularising the employment of over 5,000 Edo-Star teachers who had remained on contract 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 restored dignity to the teaching profession and rekindled hope in public education. His actions reflect true leadership and empathy,” Ajobiewe said.
Also speaking, Acting NLC Chairman, Comrade Bernard Jormah Egwahide, commended the Governor’s people-focused governance, assuring him of the workers’ continued support.
“We are grateful to a governor who listens, acts, and delivers. Edo workers will stand by you as you continue to transform our education sector,” Egwahide affirmed.
