The Edo government has announced the absorption of 4,000 volunteer teachers under the EdoStar Teaching Programme and the recruitment of 500 new teachers to strengthen the state’s education system.

The state commissioner for education, Paddy Iyamu, said this on Sunday in Benin during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration, themed “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.”

Mr Iyamu said the move reflected Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to rewarding dedication and addressing the dearth of teachers in public primary and secondary schools.

“Come October 15, we are going to present letters of appointment to about 4,000 EdoStar volunteer teachers who have been teaching for the past three years.

“In addition, the government will recruit another 500 teachers into the system,” he said.

The commissioner noted that the gesture would end the era of prolonged probation for volunteer teachers and help bridge the manpower gap in schools across the state.

“Even an apprentice does not train for three years without confirmation,” he added, assuring that the teachers would receive their appointment letters at a public ceremony in Government House.

Mr Iyamu said the state had built over 68 schools in less than one year and trained more than 6,000 teachers in digital and technical skills, including robotics and artificial intelligence, to enhance classroom delivery.

The commissioner also announced that the government had institutionalised Teachers’ Fitness Day, to be observed every October 4, to promote teachers’ well-being.

Bernard Ajobiewe, chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Edo wing, commended the government for implementing the N75,000 minimum wage, promoting teachers, and renovating schools.

He, however, called for urgent recruitment of more teachers in rural areas.

“If we renovate schools and there are no teachers, we have done nothing,” he said.

The NUT chairman also bemoaned the dilapidation of facilities in many schools, particularly in rural areas.

He also advocated for the urgent implementation of financial benefits for promoted teachers and the payment of accrued arrears.

Mr Ajobiewe also noted that the union opposed the handing over of schools to missionaries in the state.

He argued that it would bring inequities and inaccessibilities for marginalised groups, who might not be able to benefit from religiously affiliated schools.

On her part, Ebanehita Omonzane, chairperson of SUBEB, urged teachers to continue shaping young minds with patience and integrity, describing them as “true nation builders.”

Delivering the keynote lecture, Joe Iyalekhue, retired principal assistant secretary-general of NUT, said collaboration was key to effective teaching in modern education.

“No teacher can succeed in isolation. Collaboration, not competition, is the future of education,” he said. 

(NAN)