BENIN CITY, April 28th, 2025 — Last week, in a collaborative bid to strengthen educational governance and raise academic standards across Edo State, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Abuja, and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Edo State, in partnership with Process & Paradigms Consulting (Corporate Learning & Development Services), concluded a five-day intensive training for School Support Officers (SSOs) and Planning, Research & Statistics heads drawn from all eighteen Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs).
The workshop was convened to equip SSOs with the skills and mindset necessary to provide sustained, non-judgmental support to head teachers and classroom teachers, thereby driving effective school administration and enhancing pupils’ learning outcomes. This initiative aligns Edo State with UBEC’s national directives and reflects the administration’s “New Edo Is Rising” agenda.
Over the course of ten thematic units, participants explored the multifaceted role of the School Support Officer in the school system, emphasizing that SSOs serve as mentors and critical friends rather than inspectors or fault-finders. Sessions covered types and areas of support, conducting support visits, and leveraging technology for efficient school-level data gathering and analysis. Practical exercises on attitudinal change management instilled the principle that “encouragement is energy for the soul,” while training on feedback techniques reinforced a praise–correct–praise cycle to foster continuous improvement.
Training methods combined presentations, live demonstrations, role-plays, and interactive Q&A sessions. Mrs. Itenebe Amarachi, Training Desk Officer at SUBEB Edo State, and Barr. Ogaga Omo-Ovie, Training Facilitator from Process & Paradigms, guided participants through hands-on activities designed to sharpen both technical and interpersonal competencies. Emphasis was placed on adult learning principles and empathetic communication to build trust and manage resistance to change.
During plenary discussions, officers identified key challenges impeding support work, including shortages of computers and transportation, inadequate infrastructure at LGEA offices, a disconnect between local authorities and SUBEB headquarters, and security concerns. Participants advocated for the re-orientation of State Monitoring Officers and Quality Assurance officers to ensure consistent practices across all eighteen LGEAs.
Throughout the three-day event, Barr. (Mrs.) Goodness Onomen Briggs, Executive Chairman of SUBEB Edo State, was present to encourage participants, attend various sessions, and lend her support to the learning process. On multiple occasions she underscored the importance of the SSOs’ role, and on the final day she formally presented certificates of completion—reminding officers that their success would be measured by their capacity to uplift and empower head teachers and their staff.
In expressing gratitude, participants hailed the workshop as a pivotal step toward a more cohesive and effective support framework. Special thanks were extended to UBEC for conceptualizing the program, SUBEB’s leadership for its facilitation, and the Process & Paradigms team for delivering a rich, practice-oriented curriculum. As Edo State reaffirms its commitment to quality basic education, the newly trained SSOs stand ready to champion improved teaching and learning, ensuring that every child benefits from a supportive, well-administered school environment.
