The Edo State Government has commenced the training of more than 3,200 teachers across the state who have been due for promotion.
The training exercise, was held at Idia College, brought together about 2,200 teachers from the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and 1,000 teachers from the Edo State Senior Secondary Education Board (SSEB) and the Edo State Board for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (BTVET).
Speaking at the event, the Edo State Head of Service congratulated the beneficiaries and conveyed Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to the welfare of civil servants. According to him, the governor has assured that under his administration, every civil servant will receive their due entitlements promptly.
He noted that the governor’s recent recognition as Governor of the Year in Education underscores his administration’s dedication to improving the education sector and prioritizing teachers’ welfare.
“It is important that every teacher, because of the value placed on them, is promoted as and when due. That is why this exercise is taking place today,” he said.
Declaring the training open, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, described the governor as an education-focused leader committed to overhauling the sector to ensure access to quality education for all, including the less privileged.
Dr. Iyamu commended the teachers for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to nurturing students across the state. He emphasized that the administration considers teachers’ welfare a top priority, alongside efforts to provide a conducive learning environment.
“As we build quality and conducive learning environments, we must also ensure that the teachers who man these schools are well-equipped with the intellectual and technical know-how and are motivated to deliver their best. A building without a teacher is an effort in futility,” he stated.
He further urged participants to view their promotion as a call to greater responsibility, adding that the government remains committed to sustaining career progression in the teaching profession.
“We began by absorbing over 5,000 contract teachers into the service, and today we are training over 3,000 for promotion. This promotion is here to stay. Teaching is a noble profession, and what is due to you will be given,” he said.
Expressing her appreciation, Mrs. Joy Enadeghe thanked the governor for declaring zero tolerance for promotion arrears, noting that prolonged stagnation in career progression can demotivate teachers.
She also commended the governor’s achievements in the education sector, stating that the attention given to the sector reflects his commitment to ensuring that every Edo child has access to quality education.
“I want to thank the Governor for remembering the teachers. We are truly grateful,” she said.
Among the facilitators at the event were the Chairman of SSEB, Dr. Rita Erewele; Director-General of the Edo State Directorate of Education Quality Assurance (EDEQA), Dr. Amen Ogbemudia; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands and Housing, Dr. Joy Akhigbe; and Board Member representing Edo Central BTVET, Mr. Peter Akore.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Chairman of SUBEB; the Chairman of BTVET, Barr. Mrs. Onomen Briggs; and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Edith Ebomoyi, among others.
