…Governor’s alma mater gets new look, ICT boost, electrification plan

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo returned to his alma mater, Ujabholo Grammar School in Uwessan, Esan Central Local Government Area, to commission a renovated and upgraded learning facility executed through a China–Nigeria educational cooperation project.

The facelift of the school was jointly undertaken by the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos and Nigeria Yongxing Steel Company Limited, with the support of the Edo State Government. 

The project falls under the “China–Nigeria Cooperation in Education School Reconstruction Initiative” themed “Love Builds Dreams, Steel Builds Foundations; China and Nigeria Nurture the Future Together.”

Governor Okpebholo, visibly emotional as he toured the refurbished classrooms and new facilities, described the gesture as “a symbol of friendship and progress,” thanking the Chinese Government and Yongxing Steel Company for their investment in the education sector.

He said, “Let me thank the Chinese Government and Yongxing Steel Company for this innovation. When they came to tell me about this project, I knew my community would benefit from a newly-renovated and upgraded school. 

“On behalf of the Government and people of Edo State, I sincerely thank the Consulate-General and the Government of the People’s Republic of China. May your goodwill and friendship continue to speak through projects like these.”

Okpebholo, who attended the school as a student over two decades ago, said returning to commission the project was a personal and emotional milestone. 

“This is where I started my secondary education, but for over 20 years, I have not stepped into this school. Coming here today for this purpose makes me very happy,” he added.

The governor further announced plans to complement the project with additional government interventions, including electrification of the school, installation of street lights, construction of a perimeter fence, and establishment of a 250-computer CBT centre.

He urged students and the community to maintain the facility, saying, “This upgraded school is a gift. It is your responsibility to take good care of it. Use it wisely and let it inspire academic excellence and discipline. Edo State is committed to partnerships that drive education, innovation, business, and sustainable development. We are open for collaborations that create jobs, boost local businesses, and strengthen cultural and economic ties.”

In her remarks, the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Mrs. Yan Yuqing, said the initiative underscores China’s commitment to promoting educational development in Africa.

“Education cooperation is a key component of the ten partnership actions under the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation. 

“As Nigeria is China’s important trade partner and a major investment destination in Africa, China is willing to use this opportunity to further expand bilateral economic and trade relations and strategic cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, science, and technology,” she stated.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Education, who represented the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Paddy Iyamu, commended the Chinese partners and Governor Okpebholo for their commitment to improving learning facilities across the state.

The school’s principal, Mr. Asemota, expressed appreciation to the state government and its partners for transforming the learning environment, describing it as a morale booster for both students and teachers.

The commissioning of Ujabholo Grammar School marks another milestone in Governor Okpebholo’s education renewal agenda and his administration’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that strengthen human capital development and community growth.