From AAU Rescue to EdoCert 2.0: Okpebholo Delivers Unmatched Education Achievements in One Year

Governor Monday Okpebholo’s first year in office has been nothing short of transformational for the Edo education system. Through strategic planning, visionary leadership, and unprecedented investment, the governor has rebuilt critical infrastructure, strengthened learning institutions, and put students at the centre of policy and development.

What many describe as an “education revolution” is a collection of groundbreaking achievements that demonstrate leadership with purpose.

Massive Infrastructure Renewal

Over 70 New Schools Delivered

The governor launched a statewide school construction programme resulting in over 70 newly built, modern learning facilities. These schools come equipped with improved classrooms, sanitation units, security features, and technology provisions to support 21st-century learning.

6km Edo Polytechnic Road Network Reconstructed

For the first time since the institution was established, Edo State Polytechnic now enjoys a 6km internal road network—a major enhancement that improves mobility, safety, and the overall campus environment.

₦132 Billion Ekpoma Dual Concrete Road

This flagship road project—one of the largest in Edo’s history—serves thousands of AAU students and commuters. It is designed to permanently end the infrastructural hardship long experienced in Ekpoma and surrounding communities.

Strengthening Teacher Capacity and Workforce Stability

Over 5,000 New Teachers Employed

To strengthen classroom delivery across the three senatorial districts, the government employed 5,000 qualified teachers. This recruitment drive has significantly improved class-size management, especially in rural schools.

International Exposure for Educators

The administration facilitated international training programmes for teachers, giving them access to global teaching models and cutting-edge instructional techniques.

Reforming and Revitalizing Tertiary Institutions

A New Dawn for Ambrose Alli University

By raising AAU’s monthly subvention from ₦41 million to ₦500 million, the governor rescued the university from financial collapse. Salaries, academic calendars, and campus operations are now stable.

Edo University Uzairue Receives Tenfold Increase in Subvention

The increase from ₦25 million to ₦250 million has strengthened the institution’s research capacity, staff development, and infrastructure upgrades.

Ending Longstanding Student Career Delays

The governor resolved:
• 128 medical students’ four-year induction delay
• 810 nursing students’ three-year induction delay
These actions restored the dreams of young professionals waiting to join the medical workforce.

JAMB Regularization Breakthrough

After years of stagnation, over 1,000 JAMB regularization cases were resolved—allowing graduates to proceed with NYSC and complete their academic journeys.

Investing in Vocational Education and Technology

Modernization of Technical Colleges

The governor has revitalized technical and vocational education by:
• Establishing new practical workshops
• Procuring world-class tools and equipment
• Upgrading technical institutions across the state

This positions Edo youths to succeed in high-demand technical careers.

Digital Transformation of Academic Records

Through EdoCert 2.0, the state rolled out digital certificates across schools. This reform:
• Prevents certificate forgery
• Makes verification seamless
• Aligns Edo with global academic integrity standards

Supporting Students and Expanding Opportunities

Bursary Payments Restored After 20 Years

Edo students received government bursaries for the first time in two decades, easing their financial challenges and promoting academic focus.

NELFUND Partnership

Edo’s proactive partnership with NELFUND ensures no student in state-owned tertiary institutions is forced to drop out over inability to pay fees.

Logistics Support for Academic Competitions

The governor donated several buses to schools involved in debate contests, science competitions, and other academic events, promoting excellence and teamwork.

Progressive Education Policies and Student-Centered Reforms

Governor Okpebholo’s administration introduced forward-looking policies including:
• EduRescue Initiative for struggling schools
• Edo Tech Hub, a digital training hub for young innovators
• Textbook Reuse Policy, cutting costs for families
• Ban on Excessive Elementary Graduation Parties, refocusing attention on learning
• Science Lab Innovate, to modernize science education
These policies address both quality and affordability, ensuring no child is left behind.

“A Transformative Leader” — National Recognition

Governor Okpebholo’s exceptional performance earned him the Governor of the Year Award in Education, with The New Telegram Newspaper describing him as “a transformative leader whose first-year achievements in education are unmatched in recent history.”

Restoring Hope, Building Futures

Within one year, Governor Monday Okpebholo has restored hope to students, parents, educators, and institutions across Edo State. His administration’s reforms represent a comprehensive commitment to strengthening every component of the education pipeline—from basic schools to universities.

With modern infrastructure, stable funding, global partnerships, and a renewed focus on innovation, the governor is laying a strong foundation for an education system that will shape the future of Edo’s children and the prosperity of the state for generations.