The Edo State Government has clarified recent misconceptions surrounding its Graduate Development Programme (GDP) while announcing enhancements that position it as Nigeria’s most comprehensive graduate employment initiative.
In a statement the Edo State Head of Service, Dr. A.O. Okungbowa, Governor Monday Okpebholo, who assumed office in November 2024, has not only continued the Graduate Development Programme but expanded it with unprecedented benefits for first-class graduates of Edo origin.
He said, the most significant development in the Graduate Development Programme is the introduction of full government sponsorship for master’s degree programmes. Selected enrollees now receive complete tuition coverage and monthly stipends before their official absorption into the state’s workforce.
“To the best of our knowledge, no other state government in Nigeria currently offers such a comprehensive and forward-thinking initiative,” the statement reads.
Following the approval of Cohort 3 recruitment in November 2024, he said the programme has reached a new milestone. Appointment letters were issued to successful candidates in February 2025, with the first batch of enrollees who already possess master’s degrees resuming duty on Monday, June 24, 2025.
“The Graduate Development Programme targets first-class graduates from 2020 onwards, including those who studied both within Nigeria and internationally. The initiative aims to attract the brightest minds into Edo State’s workforce while strengthening governance and service delivery.
“Governor Okpebholo has demonstrated exceptional foresight by waiving the traditional two-year service requirement before in-service training. Instead of requiring new graduates to work before pursuing further education, the enhanced GDP allows them to complete their postgraduate studies first, fully funded by the government”.
He said, ” The Governor has even committed to personally bearing the costs should legal challenges arise regarding government funding for the education component”.
“Enrollees are categorized into two groups under the enhanced programme: those with existing master’s degrees who have begun assuming their duties, and those proceeding with government-sponsored postgraduate studies”.
The Head of Service said, “Candidates yet to secure admission for master’s programmes are advised to forward their admission letters to the Office of the Head of Service for processing under the new arrangement.
The expansion of the Graduate Development Programme Dr Okungbowa added aligns with Governor Okpebholo’s vision of building a knowledge-driven and progressive civil service in Edo State. The initiative represents a significant investment in human capital development and long-term institutional strengthening.
The Head of Service urged media outlets to seek clarification from the Office of the Head of Service before publication to ensure accurate reporting on the Graduate Development Programme and other civil service initiatives.
