Edo Government Debunks GDP Misconceptions, Reaffirms Okpebholo’s Commitment to Graduate Empowerment

The Edo State Government has moved to dispel misleading narratives currently circulating about the Edo State Graduate Development Programme (GDP), providing accurate details and reaffirming Governor Monday Okpebholo’s unwavering commitment to youth development and public service excellence.

Upon assuming office in November 2024, Governor Okpebholo gave immediate approval for the continuation of the Graduate Development Programme — a landmark initiative designed to attract first-class graduates of Edo origin from both within Nigeria and the diaspora into the State’s public service, targeting graduates from 2020 to date.

As part of a bold upgrade introduced by the Governor, successful enrollees under the GDP are now entitled to full government sponsorship for master’s degree programmes — covering tuition fees and monthly stipends — ahead of their official absorption into the State workforce.

This progressive enhancement reflects the administration’s deliberate strategy to build a highly skilled and future-ready civil/public service, ensuring that these top-performing graduates return better equipped for effective service delivery.

In line with public service regulations, new entrants typically must complete two years of service before qualifying for in-service training. However, Governor Okpebholo, in a display of empathy and foresight, waived this requirement for GDP enrollees. He reasoned that academic advancement should not be stifled and even offered to personally fund tuition and stipends if legal frameworks prevented government sponsorship.

Following the Governor’s approval for Cohort 3 recruitment in November 2024, a comprehensive application process was undertaken, culminating in the issuance of appointment letters to successful candidates by February 2025.

During subsequent engagements with enrollees, it was discovered that several candidates had already obtained their master’s degrees. On receiving this update, Governor Okpebholo immediately directed that those candidates resume duty without delay, starting Monday, 24th June 2025. Some have since resumed, while others will proceed with their postgraduate studies under the government’s sponsorship.

Candidates yet to secure admission offers for postgraduate programmes have been advised to submit their admission letters to the Office of the Head of Service for necessary processing once received.

The Edo State Government reaffirmed that the Graduate Development Programme remains firmly on track and continues to enjoy the Governor’s personal attention, with a clear focus on building a knowledge-driven, resilient, and people-centered public service.

The government also appealed to members of the media to verify all information regarding the GDP and other public service initiatives directly with the Office of the Head of Service to ensure balanced, factual, and responsible reporting.

The government expressed confidence that under Governor Okpebholo’s watch, the GDP and other civil service reforms will achieve unprecedented milestones, creating new opportunities for Edo’s brightest graduates while strengthening the state’s governance architecture.