Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Edo State, Nigeria
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has lauded teachers for their unwavering commitment and support of his administration’s education reforms, which have significantly enhanced the quality of education in the state over the past seven and a half years.
Obaseki’s commendation came during his address at the Edo Teachers for Tech Conference, part of the 2024 Education Week events held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City.
Governor Obaseki highlighted the positive impacts of his administration’s education initiatives, particularly the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) program, which has benefited over 400,000 students. He emphasized the sustainability of these reforms, contingent on the election of a competent successor dedicated to the welfare of Edo State.
“EdoBEST is sustainable if we vote and elect people who know what to do when they are in charge of government. The decision you make on the 21st of September 2024 will determine the sustainability of the reforms in the education sector,” Obaseki asserted. “We must make sure we participate and elect a person who means well for the Edo people and is able to make sacrifices for us.”
Governor Obaseki also underscored his administration’s focus on special education, pledging to secure funding for special needs schools before his tenure ends. “Once I finish as governor of Edo State, I will take interest in special needs education and ensure we get funding for special needs schools in the State,” he affirmed.
Commending the teachers for embracing technological advancements and educational reforms, Obaseki acknowledged the challenge of changing attitudes, a hurdle the teachers overcame. “The biggest challenge faced during the journey was that of attitude change which the teachers accepted, and today the result is open for all to see as the State has recorded mass improvement in the education sector.”
He noted that the integration of technology and data-driven approaches has been crucial in driving the state’s development. “Our intention as an administration is to make life better for our people and ensure progress in the state, as technology plays a prominent role in all aspects of our lives,” he said.
Governor Obaseki credited the teachers’ cooperation in implementing the EdoBEST program for restoring trust between the government and educators. He expressed optimism about the future, stating, “The next generation of citizens in Edo State will be globally resourced as the teachers are already doing a good job to shape them for the future. The future looks very bright for Edo State and its people.”