2025 Edo Govt Denies Ordering Teachers to Cut Grass in Schools

The Edo State Government has refuted claims that teachers in public schools were directed to cut grass or perform menial maintenance duties.

In a statement issued on Monday in Benin, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, clarified that any teacher found engaging in such activities may have done so voluntarily, stressing that the government never issued such directives.

Iyamu dismissed the allegations made by a civil society organisation, describing them as “unfounded” and potentially damaging to ongoing efforts to restore the dignity of teachers in the state.

“The attention of the Edo State Ministry of Education has been drawn to a publication alleging that teachers are being instructed to cut grass and carry out menial jobs in schools. Information available to us suggests that this was a voluntary CSR initiative by some teachers. We have, however, ordered a full-scale investigation into the matter and will correct any abnormality in whatever form,” he said.

The commissioner stressed that teachers should not be distracted from their core responsibility of imparting knowledge.

“Teachers’ priority is teaching. We strongly discourage any practice that compels or diverts them into tasks unrelated to improving learning outcomes,” he added.

Iyamu further urged the public to disregard attempts to discredit the ministry, noting that the reforms currently being implemented are meant to eliminate unwholesome practices and protect the interests of children, particularly those from humble backgrounds.

He reiterated that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remains committed to elevating the teaching profession in the state.

Among recent interventions, he listed the upward review of minimum wage, the regularisation of casual teachers after three years of service, construction of teachers’ quarters in some schools, and consistent training and retraining programmes.

“The Senator Monday Okpebholo administration is fully committed to ensuring that every Edo child receives quality education and that every teacher is proud to be called an Edo Teacher,” Iyamu said.