Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo on Wednesday gave appointment letters to over 5,000 contract teachers who have been absorbed into the state’s Ministry of Education as permanent workers.

The teachers had been on contract with a monthly stipend of N65,000 during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Governor Okpebholo oversaw the distribution of the letters at a ceremony held at the Government House, emphasising the significance of the occasion and the government’s commitment to valuing its educators.

“Teachers, I am happy to see you. I wanted it this way, because I had asked several times if you had received your letters. The answer was no. So, I decided to supervise the process myself. As you collect your appointment letters today, you will also receive transport fares because I know many of you have travelled long distances,” Okpebholo said.

He acknowledged the vital role teachers play in shaping the future of Edo State, underscoring the administration’s dedication to improving the welfare of educators.

“You are very important to us. Your reward is no longer in heaven; it is here, under our watch,” he said.

Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, who addressed the teachers earlier, expressed appreciation for their perseverance over the past three years despite the challenges of being on contract.

“You have been suffering for years, yet you have stayed committed to educating our children, waking up at night to prepare lesson notes. Beautiful schools without teachers are useless. Today, an angel has come, a leader who thinks about your welfare day and night,” Iyamu said.

Highlighting the achievements of the Okpebholo administration in the education sector, the commissioner noted the building of over 68 schools within one year, aimed at benefiting children from all walks of life.

“He met Ambrose Alli University with a N41 million subvention and increased it to N500 million. Right now, a 1,500-capacity lecture theatre and a 600-capacity hostel are under construction,” Iyamu said.

He said the EDU-Rescue Programme was launched to give children from poor backgrounds access to quality education.

“This historic regularisation marks a new chapter for Edo State’s education workforce, reflecting Governor Okpebholo’s pledge to prioritise education and the welfare of teachers, who remain the backbone of the state’s development,” he said.