Edo State Reclaims 25 Schools, Renovates 68, Boosts Public Education Under Okpebholo

Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, has revealed that the state has successfully reclaimed 25 schools from land grabbers since Governor Monday Okpebholo assumed office in November 2024. Speaking to journalists in Benin City on Sunday, he also disclosed that 68 schools have been renovated, creating a more conducive learning environment for students.

Addressing claims that the figures were exaggerated, Iyamu urged critics to visit the schools and verify the information, emphasizing that all records are documented with the ministry. He noted that improvements in public schools have prompted over 1,000 students to transfer from private to public schools in the past academic year, attributing this shift to the state’s free education policy at both primary and secondary levels.

Iyamu highlighted that additional schools are planned across the state to accommodate growing enrollment. He cited examples such as Army Day Secondary School, previously with 502 students; Evbareke, about 350; and Uyiosa, formerly considered a “dead school,” which now collectively host over 3,000 students. He stressed that the figures provided are conservative to avoid accusations of exaggeration.

The commissioner further noted that 4,000 contract teachers employed by the previous administration, alongside 1,000 community-engaged teachers, have been offered full employment. In addition, the government has paid N3 billion of the N4.6 billion owed to staff of the state College of Education, which was shut down for restructuring. He added that technical colleges have been fully upgraded, with students receiving N40,000 monthly stipends. Iyamu emphasized that these efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal for free, quality education.