Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has been honoured with the prestigious Governor of the Year Award in Education by the New Telegram Newspaper, in recognition of his outstanding achievements, far-reaching reforms, and transformational investments in the education sector within just one year in office.
The award reflects the governor’s bold vision to rebuild Edo’s education system, expand access, strengthen infrastructure, and restore confidence in public schools and higher institutions across the state.
A Track Record of Historic Achievements in One Year
1. Construction of 100 New Schools
In an unprecedented stride, the Okpebholo administration embarked on the construction of 100 modern schools across Edo State within one year, providing safe, conducive, and upgraded learning environments for thousands of pupils.
2. Employment of 6,000 Teachers
To address severe teacher shortages in primary and secondary schools, the government recruited 6,000 new teachers, ensuring that schools are adequately staffed and teaching quality is significantly improved.
3. Increased Subvention to AAU—from ₦41 Million to ₦500 Million Monthly
The governor effected a major financial intervention at Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, raising the school’s monthly subvention from a meagre ₦41 million to ₦500 million, stabilizing operations, salaries, and academic activities.
4. Modernization of Technical Colleges
Technical and vocational education has received renewed attention under Okpebholo. His administration has:
• Constructed new workshops
• Procured modern equipment
• Strengthened technical colleges statewide
This move positions Edo youth for global competitiveness in vocational and technical skills.
5. International Partnerships for Teachers and Students
Through international educational partnerships, the state has facilitated overseas training opportunities for teachers and students, exposing them to global standards in teaching, innovation, and research.
6. Increased Subvention to Edo University Uzairue
Subvention to Edo University Iyamho was increased from ₦25 million to ₦250 million monthly, enabling the institution to improve infrastructure, research, and teaching capacity.
7. Digitalization of Certificates Across Schools
In line with global best practices, the government introduced full digital certification, reducing fraud, improving verification processes, and safeguarding the integrity of academic records.
8. Construction of 6km Internal Roads at Edo State Polytechnic after 23 Years
Through a partnership with NDDC, the administration successfully constructed 6km of internal roads in the state-owned polytechnic—its first major upgrade in 23 years—enhancing movement, security, and campus aesthetics.
9. Reintroduction of Bursary Payments After 20 Years
For the first time in two decades, Edo students once again benefited from government bursary support, easing financial burdens and encouraging academic pursuit.
10. N132 Billion Ekpoma Dual Concrete Road: A Lifeline for Students and Commuters
One of the administration’s flagship projects is the ongoing ₦132 billion dual concrete road in Ekpoma, supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The road will finally end decades of suffering for students, residents, and travelers in the area.
11. Resolution of AAU Medical Students’ Four-Year Induction Delay
The governor successfully resolved the long-standing induction bottleneck affecting 128 medical students of AAU, allowing them to finally begin their medical careers after years of uncertainty.
12. Clearance of 810 Nursing Graduates’ Induction Delay
Similarly, the administration cleared the three-year delay affecting 810 AAU nursing graduates, enabling them to be inducted and join the healthcare workforce.
13. JAMB Regularization for Over 1,000 Students
For the first time since 2019, more than 1,000 pending JAMB regularization cases were resolved, enabling affected students to proceed with NYSC mobilization and other academic requirements.
14. Ongoing Construction Projects at AAU
The government continues to invest heavily in tertiary infrastructure, including:
• A 600-bed hostel project
• A 2-in-1 500-capacity lecture theatre
These projects will significantly improve accommodation and learning facilities on campus.
15. Support for Educational Competitions and Student Activities
Governor Okpebholo has donated several buses to schools participating in competitions and academic events, helping to boost teamwork, reward excellence, and encourage student participation in national and regional contests.
16. Partnership with NELFUND
Strategic Partnership with NELFUND to Ensure No Student in Edo Tertiary Institutions Is Sent Home Over School Fees
A Well-Deserved Honour
The New Telegram Newspaper described Governor Monday Okpebholo as “a transformative leader whose first-year achievements in education are unmatched in recent history.”
His reforms reflect a long-term commitment to rebuilding Edo State’s education sector at all levels—from basic education to tertiary institutions—ensuring that students, teachers, and institutions have the tools and support needed for excellence.
The Governor of the Year Award in Education stands as recognition of these landmark achievements and a testament to the governor’s dedication to reshaping the future of Edo children and youths.