Edo Assembly moves to repeal 1988 Education Edict

BENIN CITY — The Edo State House of Assembly has commenced moves to replace the 1988 Bendel State Education Edict with a new legal framework designed to strengthen the administration and management of senior secondary schools across the state.

The bill seeking the repeal of the decades-old edict scaled second reading on Monday following extensive debate by lawmakers, who argued that the existing legislation no longer adequately reflects the realities and demands of contemporary education administration.

Leading debate on the bill on Monday, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Ojezelle Osezua, said the proposed legislation had become necessary in view of changes in society and the need for laws to evolve with prevailing realities.

Osezua stressed that laws should not remain static but must respond to changing social conditions and the needs of the people.

He said the bill, if enacted, would provide for the establishment of the Edo State Secondary School Board to oversee the administration of senior secondary schools in the state.

The Majority Leader explained that the proposed board would complement the functions of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), which regulates the administration of primary and junior secondary education.

Supporting the bill, the Minority Leader, Hon. Natasha Osawaru Idibia, said its passage would enhance the administration and effective management of senior secondary schools in Edo State.

Other lawmakers, including Hon. Maria Edekor, also highlighted the importance of the proposed legislation and expressed support for its passage.

Following the debate, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Education, chaired by Hon. Donald Okogbe, representing Akoko Edo II Constituency, for further legislative scrutiny.

Meanwhile, the House received a letter from Governor Monday Okpebholo requesting timely amendment of the Child Rights Law in Edo State.

The lawmakers also observed a minute of silence in honour of the late Chief Dan Orbih.