In a landmark move to strengthen the education sector, the Edo State Government has announced the absorption of 4,000 volunteer teachers under the EdoStar Teaching Programme into permanent positions and the recruitment of an additional 500 teachers to address the shortage of qualified educators in public primary and secondary schools across the state. This announcement was made by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held in Benin City on Sunday, October 5. The event, themed “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,” highlighted the state’s commitment to transforming education through strategic investments in human capital and infrastructure.
Dr. Iyamu emphasized that the initiative reflects Governor Monday Okpebholo’s dedication to rewarding hard work and ensuring that the state’s education system is adequately staffed with qualified professionals. “Come October 15, we are going to present letters of appointment to about 4,000 EdoStar volunteer teachers who have been teaching for the past three years. In addition, the government will recruit another 500 teachers into the system,” he declared. This move is poised to end the prolonged probationary period faced by volunteer teachers, some of whom have served diligently without formal appointments for years. The commissioner likened the situation to an apprenticeship, noting, “Even an apprentice does not train for three years without confirmation.” The formal presentation of appointment letters is scheduled to take place publicly at the Government House, underscoring the transparency and significance of the initiative.
The absorption of these volunteer teachers and the additional recruitment are part of a broader effort to close the manpower gap in Edo State’s education sector. For years, the state has grappled with a shortage of qualified teachers, particularly in rural areas, which has hindered the delivery of quality education. By integrating 4,000 volunteer teachers into the permanent workforce and hiring 500 more, the government aims to ensure that classrooms are adequately staffed, enabling students to benefit from consistent and high-quality instruction. This initiative is expected to have a ripple effect, improving educational outcomes and fostering a more equitable learning environment across urban and rural communities.
In addition to addressing staffing challenges, the Edo State Government has made significant strides in improving educational infrastructure. Dr. Iyamu revealed that the state has constructed over 68 new schools in less than one year, a remarkable achievement that demonstrates the administration’s commitment to expanding access to education. However, he cautioned that buildings alone do not guarantee quality education. “When we build schools without teachers, they are just empty buildings. We are investing in people who will shape our children’s future,” he stated. To complement the new infrastructure, the government has trained over 6,000 teachers in digital and technical skills, including cutting-edge fields like robotics and artificial intelligence. These training programs are designed to equip educators with the tools and knowledge needed to deliver modern, engaging, and effective classroom instruction in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The state’s efforts to enhance the teaching profession extend beyond recruitment and training. Dr. Iyamu announced the institutionalization of a Teachers’ Fitness Day, to be celebrated annually on October 4, to promote the physical and mental well-being of educators. Additionally, a Best Teacher Award will be introduced, with the inaugural ceremony slated for November 25. This award aims to recognize and celebrate outstanding performance among teachers, fostering a culture of excellence and motivation within the profession. These initiatives reflect the government’s holistic approach to supporting teachers, acknowledging their critical role in shaping the future of Edo State’s youth.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Edo State Wing, Mr. Bernard Ajobiewe, lauded the government’s efforts, particularly the implementation of the N75,000 minimum wage, the approval of teacher promotions, and the ongoing renovation of public schools. These measures, he noted, demonstrate the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of educators and the overall quality of education. However, Ajobiewe called for further action to address specific challenges, particularly the deployment of more teachers to rural communities. He argued that renovated schools in remote areas would remain underutilized without sufficient teaching staff. “Renovated schools without teachers are meaningless,” he emphasized, urging the government to prioritize equitable teacher distribution to ensure that all students, regardless of location, have access to quality education.
Ajobiewe also raised concerns about outstanding promotion arrears, which have affected the morale of some teachers. He urged the government to settle these arrears promptly to maintain goodwill and motivation among educators. Additionally, he cautioned against any moves to transfer public schools to missionary bodies, warning that such actions could marginalize vulnerable groups and limit access to education for some communities. His remarks underscored the need for inclusive policies that prioritize the needs of all students and educators.
The Chairperson of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs. Ebanehita Omonzane, also spoke at the event, commending teachers for their resilience and dedication despite numerous challenges. She encouraged educators to maintain high standards of integrity and patience in their work, emphasizing their role as mentors and role models for young learners. “Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and their commitment to shaping young minds is invaluable,” she said.
The keynote lecture, delivered by Comrade Joe Iyalekhue, a retired Principal Assistant Secretary-General of the NUT, focused on the theme of collaboration in education. Iyalekhue stressed that effective teaching requires teamwork and cooperation among educators, administrators, and other stakeholders. “No teacher can succeed in isolation. Collaboration, not competition, is the future of education,” he asserted. His message resonated with the audience, reinforcing the importance of fostering a supportive and collaborative environment within schools to achieve better educational outcomes.
The celebration of World Teachers’ Day in Edo State coincided with national efforts to honor educators across Nigeria. First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in her address to mark the occasion, called for renewed national support for teachers, recognizing their pivotal role in nation-building. Her message echoed the sentiments expressed in Edo State, where the government’s actions signal a strong commitment to elevating the teaching profession and improving the education sector as a whole.
The Edo State Government’s initiatives, including the absorption of 4,000 volunteer teachers, the recruitment of 500 additional educators, the construction of 68 new schools, and the training of thousands of teachers in advanced skills, represent a comprehensive strategy to address longstanding challenges in the education sector. By investing in both human and physical infrastructure, the state is laying the foundation for a more robust and inclusive education system. The introduction of Teachers’ Fitness Day and the Best Teacher Award further demonstrates a commitment to supporting and motivating educators, ensuring that they are well-equipped to shape the next generation of leaders.
As Edo State continues to implement these transformative policies, the focus on collaboration, teacher welfare, and equitable access to education will be critical to achieving sustainable progress. The government’s efforts have been met with widespread approval from stakeholders, but challenges such as teacher shortages in rural areas and outstanding promotion arrears must be addressed to maintain momentum. With these initiatives, Edo State is positioning itself as a leader in educational reform, setting a model for other states to follow in prioritizing teachers and students alike.
