… Expands scheme with fully sponsored PG studies
BENIN CITY — The Edo State Government has restated its unwavering commitment to the Edo State Graduate Development Programme (GDP), dismissing recent misleading narratives and clarifying that the initiative remains fully on course under the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
In a statement issued in Benin City, the Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okungbowa, emphasised that upon assuming office in November 2024, Governor Okpebholo swiftly approved the continuation of the GDP to attract the brightest minds into the state’s civil and public service.
The programme guarantees automatic employment for first-class graduates of Edo origin who completed their studies from 2020 onwards, whether in Nigerian institutions or abroad.
Dr Okungbowa described the programme’s expansion as a visionary move aimed at strengthening governance and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
He noted that the initiative is designed to develop a capable, resilient, and future-ready workforce.
A major enhancement to the scheme, introduced with the approval of Cohort 3 in November 2024, grants successful enrollees full government sponsorship for master’s degree programmes, including payment of tuition and monthly stipends prior to their formal absorption into the state’s workforce.
“This represents an unprecedented step in building a knowledge-driven public service.
To our knowledge, no other state government in Nigeria offers such a comprehensive scheme,” Okungbowa stated, welcoming corrections from the public if otherwise.
The Head of Service explained that applications from eligible candidates were received and compiled before a final list was presented to the governor, who promptly approved appointment letters for successful candidates in February 2025.
He acknowledged that public service regulations normally require new employees to complete two years of service before qualifying for in-service training, but Governor Okpebholo, “in his characteristic empathy and foresight,” decided that fresh graduates should be allowed to pursue their postgraduate studies first, with government funding approved to relieve them of any financial burden.
“The governor even offered to personally cover tuition and allowances if legal constraints prevented the government from doing so.”
Throughout the process, Dr Okungbowa said, the Office of the Head of Service maintained consistent communication, both online and offline with enrollees.
“It was during these interactions that officials learned some enrollees had already obtained master’s degrees.
Governor Okpebholo then directed that these graduates should immediately assume duty.
Consequently, those possessing master’s degrees were instructed to resume work on 24 June 2025, with several already complying.
Meanwhile, enrollees yet to secure admission into master’s programmes have been advised to submit their admission letters to the Office of the Head of Service for processing under the revised arrangement.
Dr Okungbowa reaffirmed Governor Okpebholo’s resolve to build a progressive and knowledge-based civil service, praising his keen attention to the growth and professional development of the service since taking office.
He assured the public that the GDP remains firmly on track and poised for success.
The Head of Service also urged journalists and members of the public to seek clarification from his office before publishing reports about the GDP or other civil service initiatives, to ensure accurate and balanced reporting.
“All enquiries and correspondences concerning the Graduate Development Programme or other civil/public service initiatives should be directed to the Office of the Head of Service,” he added.
