Setting the Record Straight on the Edo State Graduate Development Programme (GDP)
In light of recent misleading narratives circulating in the public domain regarding the Edo State Graduate Development Programme (GDP), it has become necessary to provide accurate information and set the records straight.
Upon assuming office in November 2024, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, readily approved the continuation of the Edo State Graduate Development Programme without hesitation.
The initiative was conceived to attract the brightest minds into the State’s workforce and to strengthen governance and service delivery across Edo State by granting automatic employment to first-class graduates of Edo origin. This applies to those who studied both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, with a focus on graduates from the year 2020 to date.
The expansion of the GDP is a visionary move by His Excellency to enhance long-term performance and foster the career growth and development of enrollees. This initiative is designed to ensure that these exceptional individuals deliver high-quality service once absorbed into the civil/public service.
This upgrade reflects the Governor’s unwavering commitment not only to continuity in governance but also to the strengthening of the civil/public service as an institution, ensuring its growth, resilience, and operational maturity.
Following the approval for the recruitment of Cohort 3 of the GDP in November 2024, Governor Okpebholo introduced a significant enhancement to the programme. Under this enhancement, selected enrollees are granted full government sponsorship for master’s degree programmes, covering tuition and monthly stipends, prior to their official absorption into the State’s workforce.
To the best of our knowledge, and we welcome correction, no other state government in Nigeria currently offers such a comprehensive and forward-thinking initiative.
To ensure a holistic implementation, applications from eligible candidates were received and compiled as they came in. A comprehensive list was subsequently finalized and presented to the Governor, who, without delay, approved the issuance of appointment letters to successful candidates in February 2025.
It is common knowledge that the civil/public service operates under strict rules, including a requirement that new entrants must complete two years of service before qualifying for in-service training, subject to satisfactory conduct and performance. However, Mr. Governor, in his characteristic empathy and foresight, reasoned that rather than stifle the academic advancement of these fresh graduates, they should be allowed to pursue their postgraduate education before assuming duties. To eliminate any financial burden, he further approved government funding for their tuition and stipends.
Significantly, Mr. Governor even offered to personally bear the costs of tuition and allowances should it prove legally impossible for the government to do so.
Throughout this period, open and consistent communication, both online and offline, was maintained with the enrollees to provide updates on the enhancement of the programme. It was during these interactions that we learned that some enrollees had already obtained their master’s degrees. This information was relayed to the Governor, who immediately directed that those individuals assume duty without further delay.
Consequently, enrollees who already possess their master’s degrees were instructed to resume duty on Monday, June 24, 2025, and some have already complied. Others will proceed with their government-sponsored postgraduate studies.
Enrollees who are yet to secure admission for their master’s programmes are advised to forward their admission letters to the Office of the Head of Service as soon as they receive them for necessary processing under the new arrangement.
The Governor of Edo State, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the entire government remain resolute in building a knowledge-driven and progressive civil/public service. His Excellency is fully committed to leaving no stone unturned in realizing this vision.
I must, therefore, commend His Excellency for his keen attention to the growth and development of the Service, including the Graduate Development Programme, since assuming office.
Finally, let me assure the general public that the Graduate Development Programme is firmly on course. Given the clear sense of purpose and commitment demonstrated by Governor Okpebholo, it is evident that this programme, and others aimed at strengthening the Service, will record remarkable success under this administration.
All enquiries and correspondences concerning the Graduate Development Programme or other civil/public service initiatives should be directed to the Office of the Head of Service. We also respectfully urge members of the media to seek and obtain clarification from the Office of the Head of Service before publication, in the interest of balanced and accurate reporting.
