Edo State Governor, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, has approved a new initiative that guarantees automatic employment for first-class graduates from both Nigerian and foreign universities into the state’s Civil and Public Service. This move is part of efforts to enhance the quality of manpower within the state’s workforce.
The announcement was made by the state’s Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, who issued a statement on Friday, November 29, detailing the Graduate Development Programme.
According to Okungbowa, the programme aims to integrate top-tier graduates into the state’s civil service to drive effective and efficient service delivery.
Okungbowa explained that the Governor’s decision to approve the programme is aimed at motivating workers and encouraging them to perform at their best.
“The Graduate Development Programme is designed to bring together first-class graduates and those with high-grade degrees to develop and enhance the quality of manpower within the service,” he stated.
The Governor’s initiative is not only about recruitment but also focuses on the retention of these highly skilled individuals.
“The Governor is committed to bringing first-class graduates into the Edo State Civil and Public Service. He believes this policy will help the state attract top talent. It’s not just about bringing them in; it’s also about retaining them, which is one of the major challenges facing the programme,” Okungbowa added.
The programme is open to all first-class graduates from universities, both within Nigeria and abroad. Although it initially targets graduates from 2020 onwards, there is potential for the Governor to extend the initiative in the future.
Graduates selected for the programme will undergo rotations across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the state.
Additionally, plans are in place to expose them to the private sector, allowing them to gain a broader range of experience. This diverse exposure is intended to help these graduates contribute meaningfully to the state’s development and improve the overall system.
Governor Okpebholo’s administration is making significant strides in enhancing the quality of service delivery in Edo State, with a focus on attracting and retaining top talent that will drive sustainable progress for the state.
