Meet Dr. Emmanuel Idiagbon Paddy Iyamu: The Oil Executive Turned Education Reformer Changing Lives in Edo State

From managing oil and gas assets in the heart of the Niger Delta to transforming public education for the next generation, Dr. Emmanuel Idiagbon Paddy Iyamu is not your typical public servant. Now serving as the Commissioner for Education in Edo State, Dr. Iyamu brings a rare blend of private sector excellence, grassroots philanthropy, and visionary public leadership to the table.

Appointed in January 2025 by Executive Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr. Iyamu took over the education ministry after previously serving as the Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). In just a few months, his presence is already being felt across the state — from the classrooms of Benin City to the rural schools of Etsako and Esan.

Oil & Gas Executive with Deep Roots in Impact
Dr. Iyamu began his career at Zenith International Bank, before transitioning into the oil and gas industry. In 2010, he joined Shell Petroleum Development Company, and by 2012, became a key figure at Neconde Energy Ltd, working on the OML 42 asset in the Niger Delta. He rose to the position of Manager, where he remained until his resignation in 2023 to pursue private business and philanthropy full-time.

He then founded and led a thriving marine services firm that provided offshore support to leading IOCs including Shell Petroleum, Chevron Nigeria, Lee Engineering, and NNPC E & P Ltd, all operating within the OML 42 asset zone.

Throughout this corporate journey, Dr. Iyamu was known for excellence, discipline, and results, earning accolades within the industry and beyond.

A Reformer with Vision in Education
With his entry into public service, Dr. Iyamu has redirected his energy toward rebuilding Edo’s public school system, introducing reforms that prioritize infrastructure renewal, digital learning, early childhood education, and teacher quality.

“We must make public schools so good that private schools become unattractive to Edo people,” he says, often emphasizing that “security begins in the classroom” and “a strong Edo begins with strong foundations.”

Under his leadership, Edo State has:

Inducted over 900 stranded healthcare graduates into their professions
Launched the EDOSET digital certification platform
Recruited and trained hundreds of new teachers
Accelerated public school renovations across the three senatorial zones
Philanthropy with Heart and Impact
Beyond boardrooms and ministries, Dr. Iyamu is also a well-known philanthropist. Through his Foundation, he has empowered thousands of people through initiatives like:

Yearly 100 Free Surgeries
Christmas with Widows
The Prison Outreach Programme
Evening with Dr. Paddy
Educational grants for young entrepreneurs and underprivileged students
Relocation of families to better housing
Financial support to widows and local NGOs
His consistent humanitarian work earned him the naming honor of the University of Benin Postgraduate Association Secretariat.

Education, Awards, and Personal Life
Dr. Iyamu holds a degree in Business Administration and an MBA from the University of Benin, a Professional Diploma in Safety and Security Management from Rivers State University, and certifications from Oxford University Business School and City University of Paris. He also holds a Doctorate in Petroleum Resources from the European American University.

He is a member of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), a Rotary International member, and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute for Industrial Security (NIIS).

His recognitions include:

Pan African Leadership Award (2018)
World Business Leaders’ Summit & Honours (2019)
Young CEO Award, Abuja (2022)
Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year, Leaders Without Border Award (2022)
Africa Achievers Award (2023)
He is married and a proud father of two children.

From marine platforms to ministry boardrooms, Dr. Emmanuel Idiagbon Paddy Iyamu’s journey is a story of transformation — of systems, schools, and lives.

His name is fast becoming synonymous with vision, action, and impact and Edo’s children may very well be his greatest legacy yet.