The administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo has placed education at the forefront of its development agenda, leveraging the SHINE framework to reposition the sector for sustainable growth and long-term impact.
Driven by the understanding that education remains the bedrock of societal advancement, the governor has consistently emphasized the need for parents, guardians, and government to invest in the intellectual development of the younger generation to prepare them for future challenges.
Within just one year in office, the Okpebholo-led administration has made significant strides in transforming the education sector. From improving teachers’ welfare through regular salary payments and promotions to implementing training and retraining programmes, the government has demonstrated a firm commitment to enhancing the quality of education across the state.
These efforts have not gone unnoticed. The governor has received several recognitions, including the 2025 Governor of the Year Award in Education by the New Telegraph Newspaper, further affirming his administration’s impact in advancing human capital development.
Reaffirming his commitment, Governor Okpebholo stated:
“This is a promise made and a promise kept. Education remains the bedrock of every society, and we are committed to providing our children with a safe, modern, and enabling environment to learn, grow, and lead.”
To strengthen institutional leadership in the sector, the governor appointed experienced professionals, including former Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, and the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Senior Secondary Education Board (SSEB), Dr. Rita Otibho Erewele, alongside other qualified individuals, to drive reforms and innovation.
One of the landmark initiatives introduced under this administration is the Education Talent Hunt Programme, spearheaded by the SSEB under Dr. Erewele’s leadership.
The initiative is designed as a strategic, long-term investment in the future of Edo students by identifying and supporting academically outstanding learners.
Following the presentation of the initiative, Governor Okpebholo approved and pledged full government sponsorship, leading to the establishment of the Senator Monday Okpebholo Education Talent Hunt Competition.
The competition targets Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) students in public schools across the 18 local government areas of the state. It is structured in three rigorous stages designed to identify the most outstanding students across science, social sciences, and the arts.
At the end of the process, 918 students will emerge from the first stage, 162 from the second stage, and ultimately 54 exceptional students from the final stage. These top-performing students will receive fully funded tertiary education sponsored by the Edo State Government.
Beneficiaries of the programme will have the opportunity to study in state-owned institutions, including Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Edo State University, Iyamho-Uzairue; Edo State Polytechnic, Usen; and Colleges of Education in Igueben, Afuze, and Abudu.
To ensure transparency and credibility, the SSEB inaugurated a seven-member committee chaired by Dr. (Mrs) Umumetu Momoh to oversee the implementation of the programme from start to finish.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Erewele described the initiative as a platform to promote academic excellence, encourage healthy competition, and create opportunities for talented students to reach their full potential.
She noted that research has consistently shown a strong link between motivation and academic performance, stressing that the programme is designed to inspire students to strive for excellence while preparing them for external examinations through structured scholarship assessments.
According to her, the initiative will not only reward excellence but also strengthen Edo State’s reputation in academic performance while contributing meaningfully to human capital development.
The then Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Edith Ebonwonyi, described the initiative as timely and impactful, noting that education extends beyond classroom learning to discovering and nurturing talents.
Similarly, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Roland Otaru (SAN), commended the initiative, describing it as a strategic investment in the future of Edo students and a reflection of the administration’s commitment to sustainable development.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, highlighted the governor’s passion for education, noting that the initiative is transforming the narrative of the sector. He urged the committee members to carry out their responsibilities with diligence, fairness, and integrity.
In her acceptance speech, the committee chairman, Dr. Umumetu Momoh, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in the committee and assured that members would carry out their duties with transparency and commitment. She emphasized that only students who meet the established criteria would benefit from the programme.
She further noted that the initiative aligns with broader national efforts to support education, assuring that the process would remain merit-based and inclusive.
Ultimately, the Education Talent Hunt Programme stands as a bold and strategic step toward empowering Edo students, promoting academic excellence, and securing a brighter future through fully funded tertiary education.
