Edo State TVET Students Now Receive N40,000 Monthly Stipends – Boosting Skills & Career Opportunities

The Edo State Government has commenced the payment of N40,000 monthly stipends to students enrolled in state-owned technical colleges. This initiative aligns with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to support the President Bola Tinubu administration’s vision for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

President Tinubu had earlier approved free tuition, free accommodation, free feeding, and N22,500 monthly stipends for students in Federal Technical Colleges nationwide. The programme has contributed to a significant increase in enrolment across Nigeria’s technical education institutions.

Edo State Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, noted that Governor Okpebholo is also establishing a new National College of TVET to further strengthen technical education in the state. He highlighted that investment in public education under the current administration has led to increased enrolment, with over 1,000 students migrating from private schools into recently renovated or rebuilt public schools.

Renovations and School Recovery

Iyamu disclosed that 68 schools across Edo’s three senatorial districts have been either rebuilt or refurbished. Additionally, 25 public schools were recovered from land grabbers, and measures are being taken to remove unauthorized structures, such as a guest house built within one of the schools.

The Education Commissioner emphasized that the state’s commitment to education has provided opportunities for students from less privileged backgrounds. “The governor has made it clear that we must give the children of the poor a seat at the table of success. Last academic session, we had over 1,000 students transition from private to public schools due to improved facilities and support,” Iyamu said.

Teacher Engagement and Payment of Arrears

The state government has also regularized the employment of over 4,000 casual teachers and fully employed 1,000 teachers previously engaged by communities. Furthermore, N3 billion of the N4.6 billion owed to workers of the state-owned College of Education, which was shut down for restructuring by the previous administration, has been paid.

Technical Education Upgrades

Iyamu explained that new equipment has been installed across technical colleges, making practical training more effective. “All technical colleges in Edo are now tuition-free in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on free education. The equipment we installed ensures that students gain hands-on skills locally, reducing reliance on foreign labour for technical jobs,” he said.

Impact on Students

The state’s investments are already yielding results, with increased enrolment in key schools such as Army Day Secondary School, Evbareke, and Uyiosa, totaling over 1,000 students across these institutions alone. The upgrades are attracting students from private schools and creating a stronger foundation for technical skills development in Edo.

Governor Okpebholo’s administration continues to prioritize education as a vehicle for social mobility, ensuring that TVET students receive stipends, quality training, and access to modern facilities, fostering skilled professionals who can contribute to Edo State’s economic development.