The Edo State Government has dismissed allegations that teachers in public schools were ordered to cut grass or perform other manual maintenance duties, insisting no such directive ever came from the Ministry of Education.
Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, made this clarification in a statement, describing the reports as misleading and damaging to the state’s ongoing education reforms.
According to Iyamu, any teacher involved in such activities likely volunteered, as there was never an official instruction from the government mandating educators to carry out tasks unrelated to teaching.
“The ministry has noted a publication by a civil society organisation alleging that teachers are being compelled to cut grass and handle menial maintenance in their schools,” he explained.
“Our findings suggest this might have been voluntary, possibly done as a form of personal or community service.”
He further stated that a full investigation has been ordered to ensure that no irregular practices are taking place.
“We have directed a thorough inquiry into the situation. If any wrongdoing is found, we will address it immediately and restore proper standards,” he added.
Iyamu emphasised that the role of teachers must remain focused on imparting knowledge, not performing tasks outside their professional mandate.
“We strongly discourage any action that distracts our teachers from educating our children. Their priority is learning, not lawn maintenance,” he said.
He also urged the public to be cautious about individuals spreading claims intended to tarnish the ministry’s reputation, noting that some reforms had disrupted certain entrenched interests.
Reassuring educators, Iyamu highlighted recent government efforts to improve teachers’ welfare, including an increase in minimum wage, the confirmation of casual teachers after three years of service, the construction of staff quarters in selected schools, and continuous training programs.
“The Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration is determined to make every Edo teacher proud of the profession while ensuring every child in the state receives quality education,” the commissioner affirmed.