Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, on Wednesday, absorbed the 5,000 contract teachers into the state ministry of education as permanent staff.

The teachers, who had been on contract with a monthly stipend of N65,000 since the previous administration, received their appointment letters during a ceremony held at Government House in Benin.

Mr Okpebholo, who witnessed the distribution of the appointment letters, emphasised the importance of the occasion and the government’s commitment to the welfare of teachers in the state.

“Teachers, I am happy to see you. I wanted it this way because I had asked several times if you had received your letters. But the answer I received was no, and so I decided to supervise the process myself.

“As you collect your appointment letters today, you will also receive transport fare because I know many of you have had to travel long distances,” he said.

The governor assured the teachers that their reward was not in heaven but here on earth.

Earlier, the state commissioner for education, Paddy Iyamu, highlighted the achievements of the state government in the education sector, including the construction of over 68 schools within a year.

Mr Iyamu added that the EDU-Rescue Programme, an initiative intended to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the state, was launched to give children from poor backgrounds access to quality education.

He commended the teachers for their perseverance over the past three years.

“You have been suffering for years, yet you have stayed committed to educating our children, waking up at night to prepare lesson notes.

” Beautiful schools without teachers are useless. Today, an angel has come, a leader who thinks about your welfare day and night,” he said.

The ceremony was attended by key government officials, including the secretary to the state government, Umar Ikhilor; the head of service, Anthony Okugbonwa; special advisers, among others.

(NAN)