Governor Monday Okpebholo: One Year of Bold Reforms and Historic Investments Transforming Edo’s Education Sector

In just one year in office, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has delivered some of the most far-reaching and impactful investments ever witnessed in the state’s education sector. With a clear mandate to rebuild Edo’s learning infrastructure, expand access, and restore confidence in public schools and tertiary institutions, the governor has implemented bold reforms that have already reshaped the education landscape.

His achievements was described by The New Telegram Newspaper as “unmatched in recent history”—have earned him national recognition as a transformative leader in education.

Rebuilding the Foundation: Infrastructure and Access

Construction of Over 70 New Schools Across the State

Governor Okpebholo began his education reforms with a massive infrastructure renewal programme, initiating the construction of 70 modern schools within one year. These new facilities are designed to provide safe, digital-ready, and conducive environments for learning, addressing decades-long infrastructural decay in many communities.

Recruitment of Over 5,000 Teachers

To close the widening teacher-gap in primary and secondary schools, the administration recruited 5,000 new teachers, boosting instructional quality and ensuring that students receive proper guidance across core subjects.

Strengthening Tertiary Institutions

A Historic Financial Intervention at AAU

One of the boldest decisions of the Okpebholo administration was raising the monthly subvention of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, from a mere ₦41 million to an unprecedented ₦500 million.

This intervention stabilized salaries, restored academic activities, and rekindled institutional confidence.

Boost for Edo University, Uzairue

Subvention to Edo University Uzairue also increased from ₦25 million to ₦250 million monthly, empowering the institution to strengthen research, expand infrastructure, and improve staff development.

Major Construction Projects at AAU

Ongoing developments include:

 • A 600-bed ultra-modern hostel

 • A 2-in-1 500-capacity lecture theatre

These investments are designed to ease student accommodation challenges and expand learning spaces.

Resolution of Long-Standing Induction Delays

The governor resolved:

 • The four-year induction delay affecting 128 AAU medical students

 • The three-year induction delay for 810 nursing graduates

These breakthroughs ended years of stagnation and enabled students to proceed with their careers.

Clearing 1,000+ JAMB Regularization Backlogs

For the first time since 2019, over 1,000 cases of pending JAMB regularization were cleared, freeing affected students to undergo NYSC mobilization and fulfil other essential academic requirements.

Empowering Technical, Vocational, and Digital Education

Revitalizing Technical Colleges

The administration modernized technical and vocational institutions through:

 • Construction of new technical workshops

 • Procurement of modern equipment

 • Strengthening technical colleges across Edo State

This revitalization positions Edo youth for global relevance in technical and vocational skills.

International Educational Partnerships

Edo’s partnership programmes have created overseas training opportunities for teachers and students, promoting exposure to global standards in pedagogy, innovation, and research.

Education Digitalization: EdoCert 2.0

The introduction of digital certification across schools has strengthened record integrity, eliminated fraud, and streamlined verification processes in line with international best practices.

Improving Student Welfare and Learning Support

Reintroduction of Bursary Payments After 20 Years

For the first time in two decades, Edo students received bursaries, reducing financial stress and encouraging academic excellence.

Support for Academic Competitions

Governor Okpebholo donated several buses to schools participating in academic competitions, helping to promote teamwork, talent development, and statewide representation.

Partnership with NELFUND

The strategic partnership with NELFUND ensures that no student in Edo tertiary institutions is sent home due to an inability to pay school fees.

Major Road Infrastructure Supporting Education

₦132 Billion Ekpoma Dual Concrete Road

One of the most ambitious projects undertaken is the ongoing ₦132 billion dual concrete road in Ekpoma, supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This road is expected to relieve decades of mobility challenges for students, residents, and travellers within the university axis.

6km Internal Roads at Edo State Polytechnic

After 23 years without major upgrades, 6km of internal roads were constructed at Edo State Polytechnic through a partnership with NDDC, improving access, safety, and campus aesthetics.

Policy Innovations and Programmes

The Okpebholo administration has introduced several forward-thinking programmes:

 • EduRescue – supporting struggling students and schools

 • EdoCert 2.0 – full digital certification

 • Edo Tech Hub – advancing digital skills for youth

 • Textbook Reuse Policy – reducing costs for families

 • Ban on Elementary Graduation Parties – refocusing on learning, not extravagance

 • Science Lab Innovate – strengthening STEM education

These initiatives underscore the government’s long-term commitment to sustainable reforms.

A Vision for the Future

Governor Monday Okpebholo’s first-year record demonstrates a clear blueprint for transforming education at all levels—basic, secondary, and tertiary. His achievements reflect a commitment to equity, modernization, global competitiveness, and institutional stability.

With infrastructure renewal, significant financial investments, and restoration of student confidence, the governor has set Edo State on a historic path toward educational excellence.