Wahala!!! Edo Government Faces Backlash for Allegedly Forcing Teachers into Menial Labour

The Edo State Government has come under heavy criticism after reports emerged that public school teachers were allegedly being forced to perform non-educational tasks, such as cutting grass. The controversy has sparked widespread outrage, with civil society groups and members of the public denouncing the practice as exploitative.

The Edo State Civil Society Coalition, led by Coordinator General Marxist Kola Edokpayi and Secretary General Comrade Aghatise Raphael, issued a statement condemning the state government for what they described as an infringement on the rights of teachers. According to the coalition, teachers are professionals entrusted with the duty of educating students and should not be subjected to tasks that are outside their job scope, such as manual labour or janitorial duties.

The group expressed its concerns that these actions by the state government could lead to protests and legal challenges if not promptly addressed. They also warned that such practices undermine the dignity of teachers and could harm the integrity of the educational system.

In addition, the coalition took issue with the apparent failure of the Edo State Government to employ dedicated support staff, such as cleaners and groundskeepers, to take care of the maintenance needs of schools. As a result, the burden of performing these duties has fallen on teachers, who are already overwhelmed with their core responsibilities.

In response to the outcry, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, the State Commissioner for Education, clarified that the reported menial tasks were not mandatory. He claimed that some teachers voluntarily engaged in these activities as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Dr. Iyamu reassured the public that an investigation would be conducted to address any concerns raised and ensure that teachers’ rights are respected.

As the controversy unfolds, many are calling for reform in the way teachers are treated and for the government to prioritize proper staffing in schools to prevent such situations from occurring in the future.