Our reporter
Edo State Commissioner for Education, Joan Oviawe, has expressed her gratitude to Governor Godwin Obaseki for appointing her to his cabinet but lamented that she is leaving office financially worse off than when she first assumed her role.
During an online interview with a UK-based Nigerian politician on Monday, September 30, 2024, Oviawe revealed her intention to take a break after serving in a demanding position, which she claims did not require much effort to meet the targets set by Governor Obaseki, who expects his appointees to work till the final day of his tenure.
“When I came in, to be very honest, I didn’t realise the depth of the problem. If I knew then what I know now, there is no way I would have accepted the job,” Oviawe stated.
Reflecting on her time in office, she described the education system she inherited as “entirely broken,” noting that the teaching profession had been “de-professionalised” over the years.
“I did not get paid well. I am leaving office poorer than I came. But, I thank Governor Obaseki for giving me the opportunity to do this job,” she added, stressing that despite her financial challenges, she appreciated the support she received throughout her tenure.
Oviawe served as the Chairperson of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) before being appointed Commissioner for Education.
Despite the hardships, she insisted she has no regrets.
“I am still very much in Benin. And I want to finish. Within three months of joining the government, I was brought to my knees. Government humbled me,” she recounted. “Obaseki doesn’t really give money.
The journey has not been rosy. There were times I felt frustrated. There were times I wanted to quit. I said, ‘What the heck, I am making peanuts, yet with so many attacks.'”
When asked if she would consider serving in Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration, should the opportunity arise, Oviawe did not rule out the possibility.
“It’s not something that I can say no to,” she said, though she emphasised the need for a break after spending more years in government than she had initially anticipated.
“If I am called upon to give advice or explain the reasons behind our policies on education, I don’t have any problem with that,” she concluded.
