The unprecedented achievements recorded by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration in the education sector have continued to attract commendations of stakeholders, with teachers in the state reaffirming their support for the reelection bid of the governor.
The teachers under the aegis of Concerned Edo Teachers, lauded the governor for digitising teaching and improving how children in public schools learn, noting that the governor’s reforms in the education sector are flattening the curve of learning poverty in the state.
In a statement, the teachers said Governor Obaseki has elevated the quality of the state’s education sector to such an extent that his reforms are being recognised around the world, adding; “Many states across Nigeria have come to understudy the changes in our education system. Additionally, countries like Sierra Leone and Rwanda have also sent high-powered delegations to learn from us. This is unprecedented and something that we as a state should be very proud of.”
The statement was jointly signed by the group’s Publicity Secretary, Bright Osahon, and other members, including Nosakhare Martins, Comr. Erhahon Nosa, Comr. Okougha Samuel and Iyamu Victor.
While reaffirming their support for the second term bid of the governor, the teachers said: “We implore all who care about our children and the future of our state to stand with our champion, a shining light in Edo State and a global torchbearer, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.”
The statement reads: “Today, Edo State ranks lowest in out-of- school children in Nigeria, and on a daily basis, we are flattening the curve of the learning poverty in the state. Governor Obaseki’s visionary spirit was again evident during this period where children are at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He created the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) homeschooling programme, Edo BEST@home, to ensure that learning can continue. Pupils have access to audio lessons, study packets, digital storybooks and more on the SUBEB website.
“Those with WhatsApp can also connect directly with their classroom teachers for virtual lessons five days a week. They can also take quizzes in Mathematics, English, Science, and Social Studies every day. To top it all, Governor Obaseki has worked with MTN so that parents have free access to materials.
“To date, over 11, 000 teachers and head teachers have been trained. This is an incredible figure. This training itself is uncommon because it was for two full weeks.
“This intensive training resulted in us gaining a more modern understanding of the teaching profession, technology-savvy and developed in us a deep sense of pride. How could we not be proud of how much the state has invested in us and through us, in the children? Our children are the future of Edo State and as teachers, we stand with them. We therefore stand with our Governor as the number one Children’s Champion.”
It added: “Today we know that 234 schools have been renovated in phase one of the renovation project. The second phase of renovations has started which includes over 100 schools. In addition to ensuring that pupils can learn in an upgraded and conducive environment, Governor Obaseki has gone further to ensure that all of the needed materials inside the classroom are also there. This has included putting tablets in the hands of thousands of teachers across the state so that technology can help us to teach pupils even better every day and smartphones in the hands of headmasters who have now created digital records of pupils.”
