Edo Civil Society Blasts Ministry of Education: Stop Forcing Teachers Into Menial Labour

The Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights has issued a scathing condemnation of the Edo State Ministry of Education, following reports that public school teachers are being compelled to clear bushes, cut grass, and perform other menial tasks as part of their job duties.

In a strongly worded press statement titled “Edo Civil Society Slams Ministry of Education for Forcing Teachers into Menial Labour,” the group described the practice as “disgraceful,” “demeaning,” and “a violation of constitutional rights.”

“Teachers are not slaves, and schools are not forced labour camps,” the statement read. “Reducing educators to gardeners and cleaners is a shameful act of abuse and a slap in the face of every hardworking teacher in Edo State.”

The coalition emphasized that the act contravenes Section 34(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), which clearly states that no individual shall be subjected to forced or compulsory labour.

By compelling teachers to carry out tasks outside their professional mandate, the Ministry is in direct violation of this constitutional protection, the group said.

Quoting Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent promise to prioritize education and address teacher shortages, the coalition questioned the government’s sincerity. “We will place teachers on top priority… and we’ll reverse the shortage of teachers through continuous recruitment of qualified teachers,” the governor had said.

The coalition responded:
“As the old Latin maxim goes—Laborare est Orare (To work is to pray)—but we insist: the sacred work of a teacher is to teach, not to clear bushes. Forcing them otherwise is Contra Legem (against the law) and will not be tolerated.”

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The group issued four immediate demands to the state government:

1. End the abuse immediately—no teacher should be forced into menial labour.

2. Employ proper support staff—janitors, cleaners, and gardeners should be hired and paid.

3. Restore teacher dignity—let educators focus solely on teaching.

4. Ensure accountability—maintenance funds must not be misappropriated or redirected to exploit teachers.

“If the Ministry of Education fails to act,” the coalition warned, “we will mobilize peaceful protests, public campaigns, and take legal actions to defend our teachers.”

The statement concluded with a rallying cry:
“An injury to one teacher is an injury to all. Edo State must respect its teachers—or face the resistance of its people.”

The press release was signed by Marxist Kola Edokpayi, Coordinator General, and Comrade Hon. Aghatise Raphael, Secretary General of the Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights.