Edo commissioner: 'I'm leaving office poorer'

Joan Oviawe, Edo State Commissioner for Education has thanked Governor Godwin Obaseki for appointing her on his cabinet, lamenting however that she is ‘leaving office poorer than she came’.

She dropped the hint during an online interview anchored by UK-based Nigerian politician on Monday September 30, 2024.

Oviawe disclosed plans to take a break off the hassle associated with the State Ministry of Education, which she claims does not require much efforts in order to meet set target by the outgoing Governor who expects his all his appointees to work till the last day in office.

Oviawe said, “When I came in, to be very hostest, I didn’t realize the depth of the problem. If I knew then what I know now, there is no way I would have accepted the job.

“I came into a system that was entirely broken. The teaching profession over the years, has been ‘de-professionalised’.

“I did not get paid well. I am leaving office poorer than I came. But, I thank I thank Governor Obaseki for giving me the opportunity to do this job.

“I tell you that I am leaving this job poorer than I came. But, in terms of support, I really got it”, the Commissioner said.

Oviawe who served as chairman of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to Commissioner for Education by the Governor also said, she has no regret whatsoever.

She said, “I am still very much in Benin. And I want to finish. Within three months I joined the government, I was brought to my kneels. Government humbled me.

“Obaseki doesn’t really give money. The journey has not being rosy. There were times I felt frustrated. There were times I wanted to quit. ‘I said what a heck, I am making peanut, yet with so much attacks”, according to Oviawe.

Asked if she would accept to serve if Senator Monday Okpebholo’s government’s request her service, Oviawe said, “It’s not something that I can say no to.

“First of all, I have spent more years in government than I thought. So, I need to take a break. That is very important for me.

“If I am called upon to give advice or explain reasons behind our policies on Education, I don’t have any problem”, she said.