A newly uncovered directive from the Edo State Secondary Education Board (SSEB) has ignited fresh debate over the role of teachers in school maintenance, contradicting earlier claims by the state government that educators were not being asked to perform menial tasks.
The circular, dated August 27 and signed by Obarisiagbon M. I. on behalf of SSEB Executive Chairman Dr. Maureen Ekhorangbon, was addressed to all Executive Principals of senior secondary schools across the state.
It instructed school heads to ensure that teachers clear grasses and clean school compounds ahead of the new academic session.
According to the document, the cleanup exercise was scheduled for September 1, with students expected to join a week later on September 8.
Principals were tasked with overseeing the operation and required to submit photographic proof of compliance to the board’s designated WhatsApp channel by September 5.
The circular emphasized that the initiative was “mandatory” and framed it as part of a broader effort to support the Governor’s education reform agenda.
It also cited goals such as promoting hygiene, safety, discipline, and a spirit of voluntary service among students.
This revelation appears to validate concerns previously raised by civil society organizations, which had accused the government of compelling teachers to engage in manual labor.
The Ministry of Education had earlier dismissed those claims, asserting that any such activities were voluntary and part of teachers’ corporate social responsibility (CSR).
The contradiction between the ministry’s public stance and the SSEB’s internal directive has sparked questions about transparency and consistency in policy implementation. As schools prepare to reopen for the 2025/2026 academic year on Monday, stakeholders are calling for clearer communication and a reaffirmation of teachers’ professional boundaries.
