Edo Governor approves ₦17m payment to Secondary School Principals

Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the payment of over ₦17 million owed to executive principals of senior secondary schools in Edo State by the previous administration.

The approval was disclosed in a statement on Friday, October 9, 2025. It followed an appeal by a committee of executive principals who visited the Senior Secondary Education Board (SSEB) seeking a refund of the uniform debt.

The committee, led by Onaifo Osemwengie, Executive Principal of Egor Senior Secondary School, explained that the debt originated under former Education Commissioner Dr. Joan Oviawe, when a uniform committee created by ex-consultant Chinelo Ezeobi was dissolved without settling the outstanding sum.

SSEB Executive Chairman, Dr. Maureen Ekhoragbon, commended Governor Okpebholo for approving the payment, describing him as a leader who values excellence, transparency, and accountability. “We appreciate the governor’s prompt action in addressing this issue, which demonstrates his commitment to the welfare of educators and the development of the education sector in Edo State,” she said.

The principals also expressed gratitude to the SSEB chairman for her support and understanding, noting that the approval brought relief after a long period of waiting for resolution.