Education
Edo Activists knocks on ministry for alleged teacher labor sparks denial
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
01 Sep 2025 09:35 AM
Benin, Edo – A heated controversy has erupted in Edo State as Civil society group accuses the Ministry of Education of compelling public school teachers to perform menial tasks such as clearing bushes and cutting grass.
In a fiery press statement, the civil society coalition condemned the practice as “demeaning,” “a blatant violation of human rights,” and a breach of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which prohibits forced labor under Section 34(1)(c).
The coalition, led by Coordinator General Kola Edokpayi and Secretary General Aghatise Raphael, described the directive as an insult to the teaching profession, arguing that teachers are “nation-builders” whose role is to educate, not to serve as gardeners or cleaners.
They demanded an immediate end to the practice, the hiring of proper support staff for school maintenance, and transparent use of allocated funds. Quoting Governor Monday Okpebholo’s promise to prioritize teachers, the coalition warned of protests, public campaigns, and legal action if the Ministry fails to act.
In response, the Edo State Ministry of Education, through a statement by Honorable Commissioner Dr. Paddy Iyamu, firmly rejected the allegations, calling them “unfounded” and harmful to ongoing efforts to improve teachers’ welfare.
The Ministry clarified that any such activities were voluntary corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts by some teachers. However, it has launched a full-scale investigation to verify the claims and address any irregularities.
Dr. Iyamu emphasized that teachers’ primary role is the “transfer of learning” and that the Ministry discourages their involvement in non-educational tasks.
The statement also highlighted Governor Okpebholo’s education reforms, including raising teachers’ minimum wage, regularizing casual teachers, building teachers’ quarters, and providing training programs to ensure quality education for Edo children.
The Ministry urged the public to disregard misinformation and support its efforts to transform the education sector, cautioning against groups attempting to tarnish its reputation.
Meanwhile, the coalition remains steadfast, vowing to defend teachers’ dignity and warning that “an injury to one teacher is an injury to all.”
As tensions rise, all eyes are on the Ministry’s investigation and whether the state government can resolve this conflict and restore trust in its education system.
In a fiery press statement, the civil society coalition condemned the practice as “demeaning,” “a blatant violation of human rights,” and a breach of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which prohibits forced labor under Section 34(1)(c).
The coalition, led by Coordinator General Kola Edokpayi and Secretary General Aghatise Raphael, described the directive as an insult to the teaching profession, arguing that teachers are “nation-builders” whose role is to educate, not to serve as gardeners or cleaners.
They demanded an immediate end to the practice, the hiring of proper support staff for school maintenance, and transparent use of allocated funds. Quoting Governor Monday Okpebholo’s promise to prioritize teachers, the coalition warned of protests, public campaigns, and legal action if the Ministry fails to act.
In response, the Edo State Ministry of Education, through a statement by Honorable Commissioner Dr. Paddy Iyamu, firmly rejected the allegations, calling them “unfounded” and harmful to ongoing efforts to improve teachers’ welfare.
The Ministry clarified that any such activities were voluntary corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts by some teachers. However, it has launched a full-scale investigation to verify the claims and address any irregularities.
Dr. Iyamu emphasized that teachers’ primary role is the “transfer of learning” and that the Ministry discourages their involvement in non-educational tasks.
The statement also highlighted Governor Okpebholo’s education reforms, including raising teachers’ minimum wage, regularizing casual teachers, building teachers’ quarters, and providing training programs to ensure quality education for Edo children.
The Ministry urged the public to disregard misinformation and support its efforts to transform the education sector, cautioning against groups attempting to tarnish its reputation.
Meanwhile, the coalition remains steadfast, vowing to defend teachers’ dignity and warning that “an injury to one teacher is an injury to all.”
As tensions rise, all eyes are on the Ministry’s investigation and whether the state government can resolve this conflict and restore trust in its education system.
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