When Governor Godwin Obaseki introduced the EdoBEST initiative in the realm of elementary education, it marked the initial stride towards combatting learning challenges within educational frameworks.
The inception of the EdoBEST initiative commenced with a comprehensive evaluation that unearthed deficiencies within the educational structure necessitating a revamp, particularly focusing on the cadre of educators.
This evaluation spurred the training of the initial batch of 1500 educators who willingly embraced the EdoBEST pedagogy, aiming to enhance the foundational education system in Edo State.
During a special event commemorating Teacher’s Day in Edo State, Governor Obaseki emphasized the pivotal role of trust in fostering and sustaining the reform initiative. He reminisced about the inception of the transformative journey in 2018, highlighting the significance of overcoming the trust deficit as a primary hurdle.
Over the span of six years, the establishment of trust emerged as the cornerstone of progress. This trust laid the groundwork for a paradigm shift in the educational landscape of Edo, positioning the state as a beacon for emulation.
Governor Godwin Obaseki’s adoption of the EdoBEST reform in Edo State was a strategic move to mitigate learning setbacks and elevate the educational standards. By integrating technology as a fundamental component of the educational reform, the teaching-learning process was streamlined, affording educators the opportunity to innovate in their instructional approaches.
In the pursuit of a comprehensive statewide transformation, a steadfast commitment towards financial allocations and educational investments by state authorities is imperative.
For Governor Obaseki, this commitment translated into substantial investments in technological infrastructure, educator capacity building, and an effective pedagogical framework aimed at enhancing learning outcomes. The launch of the remote learning platform in 2020 epitomized this dedication, facilitating the exposure of over 280,000 students to technology-driven learning methodologies while training 11,000 teachers and educational administrators in digital pedagogical practices.
Spanning across all 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Edo State and catering to a student population exceeding 380,000, the EdoBEST program has yielded remarkable results. The average EdoBEST student now exhibits reading proficiency levels approaching 110 words per minute, surpassing the national average.
Despite Nigeria grappling with the challenge of a significant out-of-school population, a staggering 75% of enrolled students face learning impediments categorized as learning poverty by UNESCO and the World Bank – an inability to comprehend basic texts by age 10.
The resounding success of the EdoBEST initiative has positioned it as a benchmark for enhancing educational outcomes through a distinguished pedagogical approach centered on student-centric learning, thereby revolutionizing teaching methodologies.
Governor Obaseki attributed the program’s success to the dedication and expertise of the educators, acknowledging their pivotal role in achieving this transformative milestone. The collaborative efforts of teachers have effectively eradicated learning poverty within the state, setting a precedent for educational excellence.
As Edo State and other regions replicate similar reforms emphasizing technological integration and enriched teacher-student engagement, a noticeable decline in the out-of-school population is observed, indicative of a burgeoning enthusiasm for learning among students.