Okpebholo sacks education board chair, names replacement
Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State has announced the removal of Maureen Ekhoragbon as Chair of the State Senior Secondary Education Board, with immediate effect.
This was made known by Ikhilor Musa, the secretary to the Edo State government, in a statement on Monday, October 13, when he announced Rita Otibho Erewele as the new board chair.
However, the statement did not explain the reasons for the dismissal, but Erewele was described as “an accomplished educationist and administrator” with more than two decades of experience in Nigeria’s education sector.
“She holds a PhD in Educational Administration and Planning, along with a master’s and bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Benin.
Read also: Okpebholo approves construction of 500-room hostel for Ambrose Alli University
Erewcle has served in various leadership capacities, including as a lecturer, education consultant, and senior education officer.
“Her contributions to policy development, teacher training, and curriculum enhancement have earned her recognition for excellence in academic leadership and educational reform,” the statement read.
Recall that the Edo State government had announced the absorption of 4,000 volunteer teachers under the EdoStar Teaching Programme and recruitment of 500 new teachers to strengthen the state’s education system.
Paddy Iyamu, the commissioner for education in Edo State, said the move reflected Okpebholo’s commitment to rewarding dedication and addressing the dearth of teachers in public primary and secondary schools.
“Come October 15, we are going to present letters of appointment to about 4,000 EdoStar volunteer teachers who have been teaching for the past three years,” he said.
