Edo State kicks off support for civil service scholars with monthly stipends

The Edo State Government has commenced the payment of monthly stipends to officers under its Graduate Development Programme (GDP) pursuing Master’s degree programmes, in a move aimed at strengthening public service capacity through sustained investment in human capital development.

Speaking during the disbursement ceremony at the Government House in Benin City, the Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, said the financial support would ease the financial burden on the beneficiaries, enabling them to focus on their studies before returning to strengthen service delivery across the state’s public sector.

Okungbowa said the initiative underscores Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to building a highly skilled, knowledge-driven and future-ready workforce capable of improving efficiency across ministries, departments and agencies.

“The payment of these stipends will not only reduce the financial pressure on the beneficiaries but also encourage them to remain focused on their studies and return with the knowledge and skills needed to strengthen public service delivery,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Corporate Change, Communication and Performance Management, Peter Osagie, described the programme as a strategic investment in the future of the Edo State Civil Service.

He said the Governor enhanced the third cohort of the Graduate Development Programme by approving fully funded Master’s degree scholarships for newly recruited first-class graduates before they fully assumed their responsibilities in government.

Osagie disclosed that beneficiaries are currently enrolled in universities across Nigeria under the scholarship scheme, adding that the monthly stipends would be paid throughout the duration of their programmes to allow them to pursue their studies without financial constraints.

According to him, the initiative reflects the government’s resolve to reward academic excellence while equipping young professionals with advanced knowledge and global best practices needed to meet the evolving demands of governance and public administration.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Osaremwinda Eghosa described the scholarship and stipend as a life-changing opportunity that enabled him to begin his Master’s degree earlier than planned, while another beneficiary, Obanor Oshiokuwe Anastasia, said the programme had renewed the hopes of young graduates by creating pathways for education, capacity building and public service careers.