Edo Prioritizes Education with Major Investments, Reforms Under Okpebholo

Benin, Edo — The Edo State Government has highlighted significant strides in the education sector since Governor Monday Okpebholo assumed office in November 2024, positioning education as a cornerstone for human capital development, youth empowerment, and long-term economic growth.

In a statement marking approximately 19 months of the administration, the government detailed increased funding, teacher welfare initiatives, infrastructure upgrades, and systemic reforms aimed at revitalizing public schools and tertiary institutions.

The statement signed by Hon. Haruna Braimoh, Special Adviser on Public Affairs and Media, noted that one of the flagship achievements is the permanent absorption of over 5,000 Edo-STAR (Edo Supporting Teachers to Achieve Results) teachers into the state civil service. The administration has also recruited additional teachers to address staffing shortages and improve learning outcomes in public schools.

This move builds on earlier efforts to stabilize the teaching workforce, with reports indicating the regularization of thousands of contract and volunteer teachers previously on stipends.

The government reports constructing and renovating over 100 schools across the state (with some earlier figures citing around 60-63 completed or upgraded in the first year). Projects include standard classrooms, STEM laboratories, perimeter fencing, and other facilities to create a more conducive learning environment.

Additional initiatives involve upgrading technical colleges with modern workshops and launching the EduRescue Initiative to reintegrate out-of-school children.

The education sector’s budget has seen a notable increase, rising from ₦48 billion in 2025 to ₦59.67 billion in the 2026 appropriation. This aligns with the broader ₦939.85 billion “Budget of Hope and Growth” presented by the governor, which emphasizes capital expenditure in social sectors.

Monthly subventions to state-owned tertiary institutions have been substantially enhanced:

• Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma: Increased from approximately ₦41-49 million to ₦500 million.

• Edo University, Iyamho: Raised from around ₦20-25 million to ₦250 million.

• College of Education, Igueben, and Edo State Polytechnic, Usen: Each now receiving ₦100 million monthly (previously none in some cases).

These increases aim to stabilize operations, clear backlogs, and support infrastructure at tertiary levels.

Other key interventions include digitizing school certificates to prevent forgery, strengthening technical and vocational education, and fostering international partnerships for teacher and student development.

The administration has received recognition for these efforts, including the Governor of the Year Award in Education from New Telegraph Newspapers, citing visible transformations in the sector.

According to Braimoh, the interventions is reflection of the governor’s commitment to sustainable development through education.

While independent reports and opposition voices have noted ongoing challenges such as the state’s education budget allocation remaining below national benchmarks as a percentage of the total the Okpebholo administration maintains that these targeted investments and reforms are laying a foundation for improved productivity, innovation, and prosperity in Edo State.

Progress continues to be monitored as the 2026 budget is implemented.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​