Championing Education Reform: SUBEB Partners with SPE for Inclusive Education in Edo

By Ebuanekpe Joy

The Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Barrister Mrs. Onomen Briggs, has reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to fostering inclusive and quality education, in alignment with Governor Sen. Monday Okpebholo’s vision for a transformed educational system. She made this assurance during a courtesy visit by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Benin Section 116, led by its Chairman, Engineer Augustine Soro.

Barrister Briggs commended the SPE for their dedication to promoting science education and creating opportunities for students in public schools. She acknowledged the need for more targeted programs for children with special needs and emphasized her administration’s focus on addressing these gaps. She noted that her administration, in line with Governor Okpebholo’s policies, is determined to provide an equitable and inclusive education system for all children in Edo State.

The SPE delegation sought SUBEB’s collaboration on several initiatives. These include Barrister Briggs’ participation as a VIP guest and speaker at the upcoming SPE fair, the deployment of SUBEB staff to support SPE programs, and permission to implement SPE-led activities such as science fairs in public schools. Additionally, they requested SUBEB’s assistance in involving public schools and students with disabilities in the 2025 scholarship exercise.

In her response, Barrister Briggs assured the SPE team of her administration’s support for these initiatives. She reiterated Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to educational reform and highlighted the importance of partnerships in achieving shared goals. She emphasized the need to prioritize inclusivity, particularly for students with disabilities, as part of the broader vision for a reformed educational system.

In recognition of her leadership and support, the SPE team resolved to facilitate Barrister Briggs’ registration as a member of the Benin Section of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.

This collaboration represents a significant step towards achieving Governor Okpebholo’s vision for a progressive and inclusive education system under the stewardship of Barrister Mrs. Onomen Briggs.