Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo state
In a resounding testament to the visionary leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, the World Bank has showered accolades on Edo State for its groundbreaking reforms in the basic education sector.
The commendation comes on the heels of a comprehensive evaluation by a World Bank delegation, led by the esteemed Education Economist, MartÃn De Simone.
Truth Live News gathered that over the past seven and a half years, Edo State has steadfastly pursued its commitment to revamping the basic education landscape, yielding tangible progress and impactful transformations.
The cornerstone of this endeavor has been the Edo Basic Education Sector and Skills Transformation (EdoBESST) Programme, a flagship initiative aimed at uplifting the youth populace through enhanced educational opportunities.
During their four-day working visit, the World Bank delegation engaged extensively with key stakeholders from the Edo State Ministry of Education, the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (Edo SUBEB), and other government agencies.
MartÃn De Simone lauded the State’s unwavering dedication to meeting set objectives, highlighting the commendable strides taken in various facets of the basic education system.
Of particular note is the establishment of a cutting-edge situation room at the State Secretariat, Sapele Road, Benin City.
This innovative facility serves as a nerve center for monitoring the performance of teachers, students, and schools, facilitating real-time data gathering and analysis.
De Simone lauded Governor Obaseki for this pioneering initiative, underscoring its instrumental role in driving accountability and fostering continuous improvement within the education ecosystem.
Dr. Tunde Ademola, a Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank, echoed the sentiment of commendation, urging other states to emulate Edo’s exemplary model. He emphasized the need for collaboration and knowledge-sharing to elevate Nigeria’s education system to greater heights.
Eyitayo Ozavize Salami, the Executive Chairman of Edo SUBEB, provided insights into the profound impact of the EdoBESST Programme, which has been in operation for six years. With over 380,000 pupils benefiting across the state’s 18 local government areas, the programme has been a catalyst for enhancing teaching and learning quality. Through targeted interventions such as teacher upskilling, provision of educational materials, and technological integration, Edo State has set a new standard for educational excellence.
As the programme enters its final phase, the fruits of Edo’s labor are evident, setting a precedent for sustainable development and inclusive growth in the education sector. With continued collaboration and steadfast commitment, the legacy of transformative change envisioned by Governor Godwin Obaseki will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.