Edo Govt Blasts Obaseki’s Education Reforms, Labels Them “Political Scam Built On Lies”

The Edo State Government has strongly criticised recent attempts to celebrate the education reforms introduced by former governor Godwin Obaseki, describing them as a “carefully packaged deception” rather than genuine progress.

According to Ireporter Online, the state government, through a statement by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, dismissed Obaseki’s acclaimed education reforms as “a political scam built on deceit.”

Itua alleged that the former administration used the education sector as a tool for political propaganda rather than service delivery. He claimed that many teachers recruited under the previous government were engaged without formal employment letters, pension rights, or confirmation of their civil service status for years.

“The Obaseki government did not reform education; it exploited it for political survival,” the statement read. “Teachers were used for photo opportunities and propaganda, subjected to endless unpaid trainings, and later abandoned once elections were over.”

The EdoBEST initiative, which had been showcased as a model of digital learning innovation, was also described as a “technological façade built on falsehood.” The statement noted that despite the media hype, most rural schools remained in poor condition, and teachers continued to face harsh working environments.

Itua emphasised that Governor Okpebholo’s administration is committed to restoring credibility, merit, and transparency in the education sector. He disclosed that over 5,000 qualified teachers have now been formally absorbed into the Edo civil service following a fair and transparent recruitment process.

“This government is not interested in propaganda or self-promotion,” Itua declared. “Funds allocated to schools will reach their destination. Teachers will be treated with dignity, properly trained, and adequately compensated. Edo’s education system is being rebuilt on truth, not deceit.”

He concluded by reaffirming the administration’s resolve to prioritise integrity and genuine progress over political showmanship. “The era of manipulation is over. A new Edo is emerging—founded on accountability, service, and sincerity,” he said.