Edo Government has announced the absorption of 4,000 volunteer teachers under the EdoStar Teaching Programme and recruitment of 500 new teachers to strengthen the state’s education system.
Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, said this today in Benin during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration, themed “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.”
Dr Iyamu said the move reflected Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to rewarding dedication and addressing dearth of teachers in public primary and secondary schools.
The Commissioner noted that the gesture would end the era of prolonged probation for volunteer teachers and help bridge the manpower gap in schools across the state.
He maintained that the state had built over 68 schools in less than one year and trained more than 6,000 teachers in digital and technical skills, including robotics and artificial intelligence, to enhance classroom delivery.
Dr Iyamu also announced that the government had institutionalised Teachers’ Fitness Day, to be marked every Oct. 4, to promote teachers’ well-being.
He also noted that the Governor had approved to institute the best teacher award for outstanding performance every Nov. 25.
Earlier, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Edo Wing,Mr Bernard Ajobiewe, commended the government for implementing the N75,000 minimum wage, promotion of teachers and renovation of schools.
The NUT Chairman bemoaned the dilapidation of facilities in many schools in the state, particularly in the rural areas.
He also canvassed for an urgent implementation of financial benefits for promoted teachers and payment of the accrued arrears.
Mr. Ajobiewe also noted that the union opposed the handing over of schools to missionaries in the state
He argued that it would bring inequities and inaccessibilities for marginalized groups, who might not be able to benefit from religiously affiliated schools.
On her part, Mrs Ebanehita Omonzane, Chairperson of SUBEB, urged teachers to continue shaping young minds with patience and integrity, describing them as true nation builders.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Comrade Joe Iyalekhue, retired Principal Assistant Secretary-General of NUT, said collaboration was key to effective teaching in modern education.
