Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the payment of over ₦17 million owed to executive principals of senior secondary schools across the state by the previous administration.
The refund, according to the government, represents the outstanding balance from funds deducted for school uniforms during the tenure of the former administration.
The approval followed an appeal by a committee of executive principals who visited the Senior Secondary Education Board (SSEB) to seek intervention on the unpaid debt.
Led by the Executive Principal of Egor Senior Secondary School, Mr. Onaifo Osemwengie, the principals explained that the issue stemmed from a uniform committee set up by a former consultant to the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Chinelo Ezeobi, under the directive of the then Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Oviawe. The committee was later dissolved, leaving an unpaid balance exceeding ₦17 million.
Responding, the Executive Chairman of the SSEB, Dr. Maureen Ekhoragbon, expressed gratitude to Governor Okpebholo for approving the payment, describing him as “a leader who embodies excellence, transparency, and accountability.”
She also commended the affected principals for their patience and commitment to the education sector despite the delay in payment.
In their remarks, the executive principals lauded both the Governor and the SSEB Chairman for addressing their long-standing concerns, noting that the gesture has restored confidence and morale among school administrators in the state.