Okay news reports that Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has approved a major leadership change in the state’s education sector, removing Dr Maureen Ekhoragbon as Chairperson of the State Senior Secondary Education Board and appointing Dr Rita Otibho Erewele as her successor.
The announcement was contained in a statement released on Monday by the Secretary to the State Government, Ikhilor Musa. The decision, which takes immediate effect, is seen as part of the governor’s ongoing efforts to reposition the state’s education administration for improved efficiency and accountability.
Although the statement did not specify reasons for Ekhoragbon’s removal, it emphasized Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to strengthening educational governance through the appointment of competent professionals. Erewele was described as “an accomplished educationist and administrator” with more than two decades of experience in Nigeria’s education sector.
According to the statement, “Dr Erewele holds a PhD in Educational Administration and Planning, as well as master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Education from the University of Benin.” Her career includes several leadership roles such as lecturer, education consultant, and senior education officer.
The government highlighted Erewele’s contributions to policy formulation, teacher training, and curriculum development, noting that she has been recognized for excellence in educational leadership and reform.
This leadership reshuffle comes on the heels of recent efforts by the Edo State Government to expand its teaching workforce. Earlier this month, the administration announced the absorption of 4,000 volunteer teachers under the EdoStar Teaching Programme and the recruitment of an additional 500 teachers to strengthen the state’s public education system.
Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, reaffirmed the governor’s dedication to rewarding diligence and addressing the shortage of qualified teachers. “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.
Observers say the latest changes reflect Okpebholo’s pragmatic leadership style, which prioritizes merit, continuity, and accountability in the management of state institutions. The governor has repeatedly stated that education remains a key pillar in his administration’s developmental agenda, emphasizing that Edo State must sustain its reputation for quality learning outcomes and teacher capacity building.
