The Edo State Government has recovered 25 public schools illegally annexed by land grabbers since Governor Monday Okpebholo assumed office in November 2024.
The Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, has disclosed. Iyamu, who spoke with journalists in Benin City on Sunday, said the state had also renovated or rebuilt 68 schools to improve learning conditions across the state.
Responding to claims that the figure was exaggerated, the commissioner insisted the records were available for verification at the ministry. He added that the improvements in public schools have triggered a notable migration of students from private schools, with over 1,000 students moving into the public system within one year.
According to him, the trend is a direct result of the state’s policy of free primary and secondary education and the ongoing revitalisation of public school infrastructure.
“Since the administration of Governor Okpebholo came in, 25 schools have been recovered from land grabbers. The state needs more schools for the kids and the move was the right one to take,” Iyamu said.
“The government has also renovated or rebuilt 68 schools and those who claim this is false should go and verify. The record is with the ministry.”
He explained that the surge in enrollment was most evident in schools previously considered moribund.
“In the last academic session, Army Day Secondary School had about 502 students, Evbareke had about 350, while Uyiosa was labelled a dead school. But today, we have over 3,000 students in those schools,” he said.
“The number of students who migrated from private to public schools was over 1,000 but we are being modest so that people won’t accuse us of brandishing unsubstantiated numbers. So, it shows the commitment of His Excellency.”
Iyamu also announced that more than 5,000 teachers, including 4,000 engaged on contract by the previous administration and another 1,000 recruited by local communities, have now been granted full employment status.
He further revealed that the government had paid N3 billion out of the N4.6 billion owed to workers of the state-owned College of Education, which was shut down by the previous administration for restructuring. In addition, the commissioner said the state’s technical colleges have been fully equipped, with the government now paying N40,000 monthly stipends to students.
According to him, Governor Okpebholo has prioritised the restoration and expansion of public education by demolishing illegal structures on school premises, rebuilding dilapidated facilities and improving access in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on free education.
He said the administration remains committed to ensuring that “the children of the poor have a seat at the table of success.”
