The future of EdoStar Teachers Fellowship members hangs in the balance as the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) awaits Governor Monday Okpebholo’s decision regarding their continued engagement within the state’s basic education system. On Thursday, April 10th, 2025, Barr. Mrs. Onomen Goodness Briggs, Executive Chairman of SUBEB, convened a crucial meeting with representatives of the EdoStar Teachers Fellowship, following the expiration of their three-year contracts on February 28th, 2025.
Mrs. Briggs began the meeting by acknowledging the governor’s prompt action in approving the payment of March 2025 salaries for the EdoStar Fellows, despite the formal end of their fellowship. “His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo’s decisive intervention in authorizing the payment of March salaries underscores this administration’s steadfast commitment to sustaining quality basic education across Edo State,” she stated.
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The meeting focused on the findings of a recent comprehensive verification exercise conducted by SUBEB to ascertain the number of fellows actively participating in the program. Based on these findings, SUBEB has presented two key recommendations to the governor for his consideration: an extension of the fellowship tenure and/or the permanent absorption of eligible teachers into the Edo State Teaching Service. Mrs. Briggs assured the EdoStar representatives that the board anticipates the governor’s decision “at the earliest practicable opportunity.”
Acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the situation, Dr. Austin Osegbe (Director, School Support Services), Mr. Goodluck Edomwandagbon (Director, Quality Assurance), and Mrs. Eunice Onoabhagbe (Director, Special Programs) jointly advised the EdoStar Fellows to remain patient and maintain professional conduct while awaiting the government’s pronouncement. They reiterated SUBEB’s commitment to “upholding rigorous professional standards and safeguarding the welfare of all teaching personnel within the state’s basic education sector.”
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Hon. Pastor Mrs. Angela Ekiuwa Okpamen, Board Member representing Edo South, praised Mrs. Briggs’s proactive leadership and urged the Fellows to remain appreciative of the administration’s ongoing support.
Representing the EdoStar Teachers were Mr. Joel Ozogbu, Victor Erhenhi, Austin Omokah, Ogbewi Osakpolor, Miss Evelyn Obviolokun, and Charity Sunday. They collectively pledged their unwavering loyalty to Governor Okpebholo’s administration and reaffirmed their dedication to discipline and the delivery of “high-quality basic education to children across Edo State.”
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both SUBEB and EdoStar representatives expressing a shared commitment to continued communication and collaboration in the pursuit of educational excellence within Edo State. The outcome of the governor’s decision will significantly impact the landscape of basic education and the future of these dedicated educators.
