Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has approved the immediate removal of Dr Maureen Ekhoragbon as Chairperson of the State Senior Secondary Education Board.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Monday by the Secretary to the State Government, Ikhilor Musa, who also named Dr Rita Otibho Erewele as the new Chairperson of the Board.
The statement did not provide any specific reason for Dr Ekhoragbon’s dismissal.
Dr 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, 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.
She has served in various leadership roles, including lecturer, education consultant, and senior education officer. Her work in policy development, teacher training, and curriculum enhancement has earned her recognition for excellence in academic leadership and education reform.
The appointment comes amid renewed efforts by the Edo State Government to strengthen its education system. Earlier this month, the government announced the absorption of 4,000 volunteer teachers under the EdoStar Teaching Programme and the recruitment of 500 new teachers.
Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, said the initiative reflects Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to rewarding dedication and addressing the shortage of teachers in public primary and secondary schools.
“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,” Iyamu stated.
