The Edo State Government has firmly dismissed allegations suggesting that public school teachers are being compelled to carry out manual maintenance tasks such as grass cutting.
In a statement issued in Benin City, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, the Commissioner for Education, clarified that no directive was ever given by the state instructing teachers to engage in such activities.
He noted that any such actions observed may have been voluntary contributions by individual teachers, possibly as part of community service efforts.
The clarification comes in response to claims made by a civil society group, which accused the ministry of assigning non-academic duties to teaching staff.
Iyamu described the accusations as baseless and warned that such misinformation could derail the ministry’s ongoing efforts to elevate the status and professionalism of teachers across the state.
“Our attention was drawn to a report alleging that teachers are being instructed to perform menial tasks in schools,” Iyamu stated.
“Preliminary findings suggest these were voluntary acts. Nonetheless, we’ve launched a thorough investigation to ensure no irregularities exist.” he added.
He emphasized that the government’s priority is to ensure teachers remain focused on their core responsibility—delivering quality education. Any practice that diverts educators from this mission, he said, would be strongly discouraged.
Iyamu also cautioned the public against falling for narratives aimed at discrediting the ministry’s reform agenda, which he said is designed to eliminate exploitative practices and promote equity in the education system.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to teacher welfare, Iyamu highlighted recent initiatives under Governor Monday Okpebholo’s leadership. These include an increase in the minimum wage, the transition of casual teachers to permanent staff after three years, the construction of residential quarters for teachers, and ongoing professional development programs.
“Our goal is to ensure every child in Edo receives top-tier education, and every teacher feels proud to serve,” Iyamu concluded.
