Governor Monday Okpebholo promise automatic employment to first-class graduates in Edo State
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has introduced a policy granting automatic employment to all First-Class graduates from the state in its Civil and Public Service.
This development is open to graduates from both Nigerian and international universities who completed their degrees from 2020 upward.
Announced in a statement by Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua on Friday, the policy reflects Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to attracting exceptional talent to bolster the state’s workforce and improve governance and public service.
“Mr. Governor has approved the Graduate Development Programme (GDP) that brings together First Class graduates and high-grade degrees into the service with a view to developing and ensuring quality manpower in the system.
Mr. Governor has approved it. He approved the policy of bringing in First Class graduates into the Edo State Civil and Public Service. He believes that the policy will help the State bring in top quality talents into the system,” the statement read in part.
It also added, “The Governor is using this medium to urge all First Class graduates from Edo extraction across all universities in Nigeria and abroad to come over as they will have automatic employment. We are looking at the younger graduates from 2020, but Mr. Governor may extend that.”
The statement emphasized that the development is beyond recruitment but also on retaining highly skilled professionals within the state’s civil service.
The Graduate Development Programme (GDP) is designed to offer First-Class graduates a pathway into public service, providing them with essential professional development and hands-on experience.
These graduates will be placed across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and will also have opportunities to gain exposure to the private sector for a more comprehensive industry experience.
Alongside the approval of automatic employment for First-Class graduates from Edo State, the statement revealed that Governor Okpebholo has also authorized the payment of a 13th-month salary for workers in the state.
The following factors were said to have influenced the governor’s decision:
Governor Okpebholo explained that this decision was prompted by reports of irregularities, including allegations of clandestine recruitment activities within the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the state.
According to the Edo State Government, investigations revealed that certain heads of MDAs had engaged in unauthorized hiring practices, issuing backdated employment letters to individuals without following due process.
The review aims to uncover and rectify such irregularities, ensuring that only qualified candidates benefit from public service opportunities in Edo State.
The Edo State government promise automatic employment to first-class graduates in the state civil service.
