In the complex machinery of governance, it is rare to find a leader who embodies both the intellectual rigor of an academic and the pragmatic drive of a seasoned administrator. Hon. Dr. Paddy Emmanuel Iyamu, the Commissioner for Education in Edo State, is precisely that – a “square peg in a square hole.” His tenure has become a masterclass in institutional reform, mirroring the unwavering vision of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, to breathe new life into the state’s educational ecosystem.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
THE ARCHITECTURE OF REFORM
Upon his appointment, Dr. Iyamu did not merely assume office; he ignited a movement. Recognizing that a crumbling infrastructure cannot support a rising generation, he worked in seamless synergy with the Governor to declare a state of emergency in education. This was not a symbolic gesture but a catalyst for tangible change, resulting in the rapid and successful reconstruction of approximately 70 schools across the state. By turning derelict structures into sanctuaries of learning, he has restored dignity to the classroom.
THE EDO RESCUE INITIATIVE:
Restoring Lost Potential
Perhaps his most profound contribution is the introduction of EdoRescue. This initiative transcends traditional policy; it is a moral crusade. By identifying and reintegrating wandering children back into the academic fold, Dr. Iyamu is effectively breaking the cycle of generational poverty.
“The soul is healed by being with children.” – Fyodor Dostoevsky
Through EdoRescue, he has offered “uncommon upliftment” to families who once viewed education as a distant luxury. Furthermore, his commitment to human capital is evident in the strategic recruitment of EdoSTAR teachers and the provision of scholarships to indigent students, ensuring that financial barriers do not stifle intellectual brilliance.
A LEGACY OF ALTRYUISM: THE DR. PADDY IYAMU FOUNDATION
Dr. Iyamu’s dedication to humanity is not confined to the halls of the Ministry. For over a decade, his philanthropic spirit has flourished through the Dr. Paddy Iyamu Foundation. While his professional life focuses on the mind, his private mission focuses on the body; providing free annual surgeries to over 105 patients, his foundation serves as a lifeline for those battling diverse medical conditions.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
CONCLUSION
Hon. Dr. Paddy Emmanuel Iyamu represents the new vanguard of African leadership—one where administrative excellence meets a compassionate heart. Under the guidance of Governor Okpebholo, he is not just managing a department; he is architecting a future where every Edo child has the tools to succeed and every citizen feels the pulse of a government that truly cares.
Written by : UDE EZINNE SUCCESS
(Faculty Of Law, Ambrose Alli University)