The Edo State Government has called on parents and guardians to seize the opportunity provided by its free education policy to enroll their children and wards in public primary and secondary schools as the 2025/2026 academic session begins on Monday, September 8, 2025.

‎The appeal was made during a state-wide sensitization campaign led by the Edo State Senior Secondary Education Board (SSEB) to promote the benefits of public education and reduce the number of out-of-school children.

‎Dr. Maureen Ekhoragbon, Executive Chairman of the SSEB, emphasized the government’s commitment to removing financial barriers to quality education.

‎Speaking during a roadshow in Benin City, she highlighted the free education policy, which covers tuition and essential services in all public schools.

‎“Education in Edo State is free, and we urge parents to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure their children receive quality education,” Dr. Ekhoragbon stated.

‎She added that early resumption fosters improved academic performance, a strong work ethic, and clear learning goals for students.

‎The “Back to School” campaign, themed to encourage timely school resumption, was conducted across the three senatorial districts of Edo State.

‎Dr. Ekhoragbon noted a growing confidence in the state’s education system, with many parents, particularly in Edo Central, expressing interest in transferring their children from private to public schools due to recent policy improvements.

‎These include a new education policy aligning with national and state frameworks, a textbook reuse initiative to ease financial burdens, and a ban on graduation ceremonies to streamline costs.

‎The government also reiterated its resolve to enforce penalties for parents who keep school-age children out of school, with measures to address truancy during school hours.

‎“If any child is seen hawking during school hours, their parents will face disciplinary action,” Dr. Ekhoragbon warned, underscoring the state’s zero-tolerance policy for child labor during school time.

‎Market women at Ekiosa Market in Benin City expressed gratitude to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration for prioritizing education and pledged to ensure their children resume school on the stipulated date.

‎The campaign also saw collaboration from stakeholders in the education ecosystem, including those supporting the SSEB’s Clean and Shine initiative, aimed at improving school environments.

‎The Edo State Government’s free education policy builds on the success of the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) program, which has increased student enrollment from 230,000 in 2018 to over 384,000 in 2024, reflecting growing trust in public education.

‎The program has also improved learning outcomes, with grade 3 students achieving literacy and numeracy levels comparable to grade 5 students in non-EdoBEST schools.

‎As schools prepare to reopen, the government assures parents that teachers are ready to deliver quality instruction in a positive learning environment.

‎The Edo State Ministry of Education continues to collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen the education system, ensuring equitable access to quality education for all Edo children.