The Edo State Government has announced the absorption of 4,000 volunteer teachers under the EdoStar Teaching Programme and the recruitment of 500 new teachers to strengthen the state’s education system.

Dr. Paddy Iyamu, the Commissioner for Education, made this disclosure on Sunday in Benin during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration, which was themed “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.”

Dr. Iyamu stated that the move reflects Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to rewarding dedication and addressing the severe shortage of teachers in public primary and secondary schools.

He provided a specific timeline for the volunteers’ confirmation, saying: “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 confirmed the additional recruitment plan, adding: “In addition, the government will recruit another 500 teachers into the system.”

The Commissioner noted that this gesture would effectively end the era of prolonged probation for volunteer teachers and help bridge the manpower gap in schools across the state.

He used an analogy to stress the urgency of the confirmation, stating: “Even an apprentice does not train for three years without confirmation,” and assured the teachers that they would receive their appointment letters at a public ceremony in Government House.

Iyamu highlighted the state’s infrastructural investments, noting that Edo has built over 68 schools in less than one year and trained more than 6,000 teachers in digital and technical skills, including robotics and artificial intelligence, to enhance classroom delivery.

He emphasized the necessity of having teachers in these new structures, explaining: “When we build schools without teachers, they are just empty buildings.”

He affirmed the state’s focus on human capital, saying: “We are investing in people who will shape our children’s future.”

The Commissioner also announced new initiatives for teacher welfare, including the institutionalization of Teachers’ Fitness Day, to be marked every October 4, to promote teachers’ well-being.

Additionally, he said the governor had approved the institution of the best teacher award for outstanding performance every November 25.

Earlier, Mr. Bernard Ajobiewe, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Edo Wing, commended the government for implementing the N75,000 minimum wage, promoting teachers, and renovating schools.

However, he called for the urgent recruitment of more teachers in rural areas.

Ajobiewe stressed the point about teacher availability, arguing: “If we renovate schools and there are no teachers, we have done nothing,” He also bemoaned the dilapidation of facilities in many schools in the state, particularly in the rural areas.

The NUT chairman further canvassed for the urgent implementation of financial benefits for promoted teachers and the payment of the accrued arrears.

Ajobiewe also noted that the union opposed the handing over of schools to missionaries in the state, arguing that it would bring inequities and inaccessibilities for marginalized groups, who might not be able to benefit from religiously affiliated schools.

On her part, Mrs. Ebanehita Omonzane, Chairperson of the State Universal Basic Education Board, urged teachers to continue shaping young minds with patience and integrity, describing them as “true nation builders.”

Delivering the keynote lecture, Comrade Joe Iyalekhue, retired Principal Assistant Secretary-General of NUT, stressed that collaboration is key to effective teaching in modern education.

He stated firmly: “No teacher can succeed in isolation. Collaboration, not competition, is the future of education.”

Nigeria joined the rest of the world in marking the universally accepted World Teacher’s Day on October 5. Earlier, while celebrating teachers in Nigeria, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu called for renewed support for teachers nationwide.