The Edo State Ministry of Education has addressed a recent publication by a civil society group alleging that teachers were being directed to cut grass and perform menial tasks to maintain their schools. The Ministry strongly condemns such practices and has initiated a full-scale investigation into the matter.
According to Hon. Dr. Paddy E. Iyamu, the Commissioner for Education, preliminary information suggests that some teachers may have voluntarily participated in community service activities. However, the Ministry is committed to uncovering the truth and correcting any abnormalities.
The statement reads: The attention of the Edo State Ministry of Education has been drawn to a publication by a civil society group alleging that teachers are being told to cut grass and engage in menial jobs to maintain their respective schools on the directive of the Ministry
The Ministry of Education strongly frowns at this unwholesome practice, particularly an unfounded allegation in our effort to rebuild the image of the teacher in Edo state. Though information at our disposal suggest that it was a voluntary CSR from some teachers, we have ordered a full scale investigation into this action and we assure our esteemed teachers that we will get to the root of the matter and correct any abnormality in whatever form.
While stating that the Edo State Government remains resolute in upholding the rights and privileges of all,we also encourage our teachers to remain strong and focused on academic excellence as the future of our country depends on them. Teachers’ priority is transfer of learning, so we want to discourage in very strong terms teachers FORCIBLY engaging in or being used to engage in tasks that do not directly corelate with strengthning knowledge gap and learning outcomes.
We also want to implore the public to be conscious of those who may be trying to smear the name of the Ministry due to the current reforms aimed at putting a stop to unwholesome benefits to a few to protect the common man and the children from humble beginning.
The Senator Monday Okpebholo administration is fully commited to ensuring that every Edo child gets the best in Education and every Edo teacher becomes proud of being an Edo Teacher as seen in the increment of their minimum wage,regularisation of casual teachers to be full staff after 3years,building of teachers quarters in some schools,training and retraining of teachers and lots more
Please be guided.
Signed:
Hon. Dr. Paddy E. Iyamu
Hon. Commissioner for Education
Cc:
MOE
SUBEB
SSEB
TVET