Edo Govt Under Fire Over Allegations Of Forcing Teachers Into Menial Labour

The Edo State Government is facing backlash after reports emerged that public school teachers were allegedly compelled to cut grass and perform menial jobs on the orders of the Ministry of Education.
The claim, raised by the Edo State Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights, has sparked outrage and debate across the state. According to the group, teachers were being treated as “gardeners and janitors,” a move they described as degrading, unconstitutional, and a slap in the face of Nigeria’s educators…..CONTINUE READING
Civil Society Raises Alarm
In a strongly worded statement signed by Marxist Kola Edokpayi and Comrade Aghatise Raphael, the group condemned the practice and threatened protests and legal action if the government does not put an immediate stop to it.
“Teachers are the backbone of society and nation-builders entrusted with shaping the minds of our children. Reducing them to gardeners and cleaners is a shameful act of abuse and a slap in the face of every hardworking educator in Edo State,” the statement read.
The group reminded the government that Section 34 (1)(c) of the Nigerian Constitution forbids forced labour, warning that the alleged directive amounted to a breach of teachers’ fundamental rights.
The Bigger Picture: Respecting the Teaching Profession
Beyond the legal implications, the controversy highlights a broader societal issue — the undervaluing of teachers in Nigeria. For decades, teachers have battled low pay, poor working conditions, and lack of respect. Forcing them into menial jobs, civil rights groups argue, is yet another reminder of how the system undermines the very people tasked with building the nation’s future.
Rather than compelling teachers to double as gardeners, the group called on the government to employ support staff, cleaners, and maintenance workers who would be properly remunerated for such roles.
Government Responds: “It Was Voluntary CSR”
In response, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, denied that teachers were being forced into menial work. He claimed available information suggested the activities were voluntary Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives by some teachers — not an official directive.
He assured the public that a full-scale investigation had been ordered and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting teachers’ rights.
“Teachers’ priority is the transfer of learning. We want to discourage in very strong terms teachers forcibly engaging in tasks that do not directly strengthen knowledge and learning outcomes,” Iyamu said.
The commissioner further noted that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration has made strides in improving teacher welfare, citing minimum wage increments, the regularization of casual teachers, construction of teachers’ quarters, and ongoing training programs.
Analysis: CSR or Coercion?
While the government insists the practice was voluntary, the backlash reveals a trust deficit between civil society and state authorities. If indeed voluntary, why would teachers feel compelled to participate? And if coerced, what does that say about the treatment of educators in Edo?
This is not just about cutting grass — it is about respecting professional boundaries. Teachers are employed to teach, not to serve as janitors. Blurring those lines risks eroding morale in an already struggling education system.
Conclusion: Time for Transparency and Reform
The uproar over this incident underscores the urgent need for clear policies on school maintenance, transparent use of education funds, and renewed respect for teachers.
Teachers deserve dignity, not degradation. Whether this was a case of miscommunication or systemic neglect, one truth stands out: a nation that disrespects its teachers risks sabotaging its own future.
The Edo government now has a chance to not just investigate but to restore trust — by ensuring that schools are maintained by trained staff while teachers focus solely on their sacred duty: educating the next generation.