FACT-FINDING MISSION ON THE STATE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION IN EDO STATE DURING OBASEKI’S ERA AS GOVERNOR

 

Edo State Leaders of Thought, a renowned civil society organization, in the early days of the Monday Okpebholo administration, embarked on an investigative FACT-FINDING MISSION to verify or dismiss reports and public outcry concerning the state of public education in Edo State during the administration of Godwin Obaseki, particularly the shocking revelations about the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) program.

The organization during the visits, acknowledged the deep rot and systemic failure that plagued Edo’s educational sector, despite the billions of naira supposedly invested under the EdoBEST initiative of Obaseki. These revelations expose a stark reality—one where propaganda and political grandstanding were prioritized over the fundamental right of Edo children to quality education.

Upon Okpebholo’s assumption of office, our organization directed a comprehensive assessment of public schools across the three senatorial districts. The findings confirm the observations raised by concerned stakeholders:

1. Acute Teacher Shortage: Over 90% of public schools during Obaseki's administration lacked the required number of teachers, with many secondary schools left with as few as two teachers to cover multiple subjects. This severely compromised the quality of learning in Edo State.

2. Dilapidated Infrastructure: Schools across the state suffered from lack of chairs, desks, and classrooms, with pupils forced to sit on bare floors or concrete blocks during the Obaseki administration. Teachers were left without functional staff rooms, often taking shelter under trees.

3. Severe Overcrowding: Due to inadequate classroom blocks, students were crammed into overcrowded classes, with many sitting on windowsills or lying on the floor to receive lessons during Obaseki's administration. Some schools operated with just three classrooms for the entire school population.

4. Rampant Insecurity: Public schools lacked perimeter fences and security personnel and left students and teachers exposed to criminal attacks during the Obaseki administration. The case of Migrant Primary School, Ago-Udo, Igueben, where pupils remained at risk of attacks from criminal herders, was just one of many instances where Obaseki government's neglect endangered young learners.

5. Vandalism and Encroachment: Many school premises became havens for hoodlums, leading to increased cases of theft, destruction of property, and even life-threatening incidents, such as the discovery of a corpse at Umagbae Grammar School, Idokpa, Uhunmwonde LGA.

6. Abandoned Projects and Misappropriated Funds: Multiple school-building projects were abandoned, despite the ₦12.9 billion reportedly spent on EdoBEST in 2021 and the $75 million World Bank funding approved in 2020. The question on every Edo citizen’s lips is: Where did all the money go?

Governor Monday Okpebholo has zero tolerance for deceit and mismanagement, and his administration is committed to restoring Edo’s educational system to its rightful place of excellence. 

To this end, the government has since rolled out a comprehensive education reform plan that is addressing the failures of Obaseki administration and is delivering tangible improvements for students, teachers, and communities.

1. IMMEDIATE TEACHER RECRUITMENT AND REGULARIZATION

The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo immediately launched teacher recruitment drive to fill critical vacancies across public schools.

The administration also regularized the employment of qualified Edostar teachers who were abandoned by Obaseki administration.

2. INFRASTRUCTURAL RENEWAL IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The government has embark on a phased renovation of public schools, ensuring that classrooms, staff rooms, and learning facilities meet acceptable standards. Already, at least 68 schools across the three senatorial districts have been renovated and upgraded.

Special attention is being given to schools in rural areas, where infrastructural decay is most severe.

3. DEPLOYMENT OF SECURITY PERSONNEL TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

In partnership with the Edo State Security Corps, the government has since deployed trained security personnel to schools across the state to prevent vandalism, encroachment, and criminal attacks.

Perimeter fencing has been prioritized, with a security framework designed to protect students and teachers.

4. TRANSPARENT REVIEW AND AUDIT OF EDOBEST FUNDS

Governor Okpebholo has since ordered a full-scale forensic audit of the funds allocated to the EdoBEST program under the Obaseki administration.

The government is working with anti-corruption agencies to ensure that any officials found guilty of financial misappropriation are brought to justice.

5. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AND EDUCATION SUBVENTIONS

The administration has explored community-government collaborations to improve public school funding and consider subventions for schools in dire need of support.

A new accountability system has been put in place to ensure that every kobo allocated to education translates into visible impact in schools.

Governor Monday Okpebholo recognizes education as the bedrock of societal progress and remains fully committed to providing quality education for every child in Edo State. The failures of the Obaseki administration will not deter the present government from ensuring a better future for Edo students.

This administration assures the people of Edo State that the era of deceit, mismanagement, and propaganda is over. Moving forward, education in Edo will be based on real impact, not empty promises.

We call on parents, teachers, students, and all stakeholders to join hands with the government in this renewed effort to rebuild Edo’s educational system and secure the future of our children.

SCHOOLS CAPTURED WITH THEIR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS DURING THE FACT-FINDING MISSION 

1. Eyean Primary School, Uhunmwonde LGA

2. Ewuare Primary School, Idokpa, Uhunmwonde LGA

3. Umagbai Grammer School, Uhunmwonde LGA

4. Agbuebor Primary School, Uhunmwonde LGA

5. Ewedo Primary School, Ekose, Uhunmwonde LGA

6. Adolor Primary School, Ayen, Uhunmwonde LGA

7. Osarentin Primary School. Uzala, Uhunmwonde LGA

8. Urhokuosa Mixed Secondary School, Uhunmwonde LGA

9. Ehioze Primary School, Ehiozevbaru, Uhunmwonde LGA

10. Obagie Primary School, Obagie, Uhunmwonde LGA

11. Igeduma Grammar School, Ehor, Uhunmwonde LGA

12. Ehor Grammar School, Ehor, Uhunmwonde LGA

13. Aruosa Primary School, Ehor, Uhunmwonde LGA

14. Eguada Primary School, Ehor, Uhunmwonde LGA

15. Ugieghudu Grammar School, Ehor, Uhunmwonde LGA

16. Mixed Secondary School, Okogbo, Orhionmwon LGA

17. Mixed Secondary School, Obozogbe-Niro, Orhionmwon LGA

18. Mixed Secondary School, Ugboko-Humagbe, Orhionmwon LGA

19. Ehosasere Primary School, Idumborebo-Eso, Orhionmwon LGA

20. Ofumegbe Primary School, Ugboko-Niro, Orhionmwon LGA

21. Osarentin Primary School, Egbokor, Orhionmwon LGA

22. Ugbukuen Primary School, Ugo, Orhionmwon LGA

23. Umoghun Zuagbor Primary School, Orhionmwon LGA

24. Iyalorie Primary School, Ugbokhi-rima, Orhionmwon LGA

25. Idunmwogo Primary School, Orhionmwon LGA

26. Ewuare Primary School, Ogan, Orhionmwon LGA

27. Mixed Secondary School, Ogan, Orhionmwon LGA

28. Ebenezer Primary School 1&2, GRA, Oredo LGA

29. George Idah Primary School GRA, Oredo LGA

30. Anglican Girls Grammar School, Adesuwa, GRA, Oredo LGA

31. Ivbiore Primary School, Ugbor, Oredo LGA

32. Ebo Primary School, GRA, Oredo LGA

33. Akenzua Primary School, Irirhi, GRA, Oredo LGA

34. Uyiosa Primary School, Uzebu, Oredo LGA

35. Owina Primary School, Uzebu, Oredo LGA

36. Eguare Primary School, Ujiogba, Esan West LGA

37. Iziogen Primary School, Igueben LGA

38. Ebudin Secondary School, Ugbegun, Esan Central LGA

39. Ebudin Primary School, Ugbegun, Esan Central LGA

40. Eguare Primary School, Igueben LGA

41. Egbeson Primary School, Igueben LGA

42. Egbiki Primary School, Igueben LGA

43. Idumeka Primary School, Igueben LGA

44. Migrant Primary School, Ago-Udo, Igueben LGA

45. Idinaman Primary School, Ubierumu-Oke, Uromi, Esan North East LGA

46. Idumu Isaba Primary School, Ubierumu-Oke, Uromi, Esan North East LGA

47. Id-eigbiremhonlen Primary School, Ebhouji, Uromi, Esan North East LGA

48. Eguare Demonstration Primary School, Uromi, Esan North East LGA

49. Arue Primary School, Uromi, Esan North East LGA

50. Eror Primary School, Uromi, Esan North East LGA

51. Obeidu Secondary School, Uromi, Esan North East LGA

52. Akho Primary School, Irrua, Esan West LGA

53. Usenu Primary School, Irrua, Esan West LGA

54. Ujabhole Grammar School, Irrua, Esan West LGA

55. Illeh Secondary School, Illeh, Ekpoma, Esan West LGA

56. Ikekogbe Primary School, Ekpoma, Esan West LGA

57. Emaudo Secondary School, Ekpoma, Esan West LGA

58. Emaudo Primary School, Ekpoma, Esan West LGA

59. South Ibie Secondary School, Iyakpi, Etsako West LGA

60. Igebo Primary School, Ibienafe, 

61. Ugieda Primary School, Ugieda, South Ibie, 

62. Otaru Primary School Annex, Omemih Village, Auchi

63. Ikpesi Grammar School, Ikpesi, Akoko Edo LGA

64. Imiezuwa Primary School, Enwan, Akoko Edo LGA

65. Akuku (Mixed) Secondary School, Akuku, Akoko Edo LGA

66. Akuku Primary School, Akuku, Akoko Edo LGA

67. Ufa Primary School, Igarra, Akoko Edo LGA

68. Uchi Primary School, Auchi, 

69. Evbiamen Grammar School, Evbiamen-Emu, Owan East LGA

70. Okpoknumi Primary School, Owan East LGA

71. Okpoknumi Secondary School, Owan East LGA

72. Egoh Primary School, Ojavun-Emai, Owan East LGA

73. Owato Primary School, Oke Old Ora, Owan West

74. Evbiobe Primary School, Sabongida Ora, Owan West

75. Odigie Primary School, Emi-Ora, Owan West

76. Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabongida Ora, Owan West

77. Obe Primary School, Ikpoba Okha LGA

78. Ekae Primary School, Ikpoba Okha

79. Osemwende Secondary School, Ikpoba Okha

80. RRIN Primary and Secondary School, Iyanomo, Ikpoba Okha

81. Obayantor College, Obayantor, Ikpoba Okha

82. Ohen Primary School, Ologbo, Ikpoba Okha

83. Ozolua Secondary School, Ologbo, Ikpoba Okha

84. Oghobaye Primary School, Oghobaye, Ikpoba Okha

85. Idogbo Secondary School, Ikpoba Okha

86. Egba Secondary School, Ikpoba Okha

87. Oka Secondary School, Ikpoba Okha

88. Umelu Secondary School, Ikpoba Okha

89. Ugbowo Housing Estate Primary School, Egor LGA

90. Ohouve Grammar School, Egor LGA

91. Uselu Secondary School, Egor LGA

92. Evbareke Secondary School, Evbareke, Egor LGA

93. Use Secondary School, Egor LGA

94. Egor Secondary School, Egor LGA

95. Iguadolor Secondary School, Ovia North East

96. Oba Ovonramwen Grammar School, Iguoriakhi, Ovia South West

97. Ore Nolomi Secondary School, Iguosodin Nebudin, Ovia North East

98. Iguosodin Primary School, Iguosodin Nebudin, Ovia North East

99. Amieghomwan Primary School, Amieghomwan, Ovia South West

100. Udo Primary School, Ovia South West

101. Udo Mixed Secondary School, Ovia South West

102. Iguobazuwa Grammar School, Ovia South West 

103. Okoro Primary School, Okoro II, Ovia South West

104. Azagba Primary School, Okha, Ovia South West

105. Elawure Grammar School, Usen, Ovia South West

106. Ovorahmen Primary School, Okada, Ovia North East

107. Utese Secondary School, Utese, Ovia North East

108. Aghianrowa Primary School, Ugbuwe, Ovia North East

109. Ogua Senior Secondary School, Ovia North East

110. Ekhiadolor Secondary School, Ekhiadolor, Ovia North East

111. Ezomo College, Ora, Ovia North East

112. Payne Primary School, Evboneka, Ovia North East

SIGNED:

MOMODU ADAMS,

COORDINATOR, EDO STATE LEADERS OF THOUGHT