Edo State Governor, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, has announced a new initiative that offers automatic employment to first-class graduates from both Nigerian and foreign universities into the state’s Civil and Public Service.
The move is part of the governor’s plan to enhance the quality of the state’s workforce.
The state’s Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, revealed the decision in a statement on Friday, describing it as a component of the Graduate Development Programme, which aims to bring in highly skilled graduates to strengthen service delivery within the state.
“The governor’s approval is meant to motivate the workforce and inspire them to perform optimally.
The Graduate Development Programme will integrate first-class graduates and other highly qualified individuals into the civil service to enhance its overall performance,” Okungbowa said.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized the state’s commitment to attracting top talent, noting that the programme is not just about recruitment but also retaining skilled graduates, which he identified as a key challenge.
The initiative targets first-class graduates from Edo State, whether they graduated from local or international universities.
While the scheme is initially aimed at graduates from 2020 and beyond, Okpebholo has expressed the possibility of extending it in the future.
Graduates selected for the programme will be rotated across different Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and may also be placed in the private sector to broaden their professional experience.
The goal is to harness their expertise to improve the state’s service delivery and contribute to its development.
