Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commended teachers across the state for their dedication, sacrifices and commitment to educating and shaping the next generation.
Okpebholo, in his message marking the 2026 World Teachers’ Day, described teachers as critical contributors to the development of society, stressing that meaningful progress depends largely on investing in educators and the education system.
The governor acknowledged the challenges confronting teachers and praised their continued efforts to provide quality education while helping to shape the values, skills and character of young people.
According to the governor, his administration considers teachers’ welfare and the strengthening of the education sector important priorities. He said the government would continue to support educators and improve conditions that would enable them to perform their responsibilities effectively.
Okpebholo also disclosed that his administration had absorbed 5,000 contract teachers into the Edo State civil service, providing them with greater job security. He added that 6,000 additional teachers had been recruited to address staffing shortages in public schools across the state.
The governor stressed the importance of ensuring that children in both urban and rural communities have access to qualified teachers, noting that expanding school infrastructure without adequate teaching personnel would not sufficiently address educational challenges.
His remarks came as the world marked World Teachers’ Day on October 5. UNESCO says the annual observance recognises the contribution of teachers globally while drawing attention to the professional, social and material conditions required for educators to effectively perform their roles. The 2026 celebration marks 60 years since the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
Beyond recognition, the occasion also highlights persistent concerns surrounding teachers’ welfare, remuneration, professional development and working conditions in Nigeria. Previous national discussions have underscored the need for governments to strengthen support for educators as part of broader efforts to improve learning outcomes.
For Edo State, the governor’s latest commitments place teacher recruitment, job security and workforce expansion among the measures being presented as part of efforts to strengthen public education.
Okpebholo congratulated teachers across Edo State and expressed appreciation for their service, resilience and contribution to the future of the state.
Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo commends teachers for their dedication and sacrifices on World Teachers’ Day, highlighting teacher recruitment, job security and education reforms in the state.