The Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights has condemned the Ministry of Education for compelling public school teachers to clear bushes and perform menial labour. The group described the act as demeaning, unconstitutional, and an abuse of human rights, demanding immediate reforms, proper staffing, and respect for teachers’ dignity.
PRESS STATEMENT
EDO CIVIL SOCIETY SLAMS MINISTRY OF EDUCATION FOR FORCING TEACHERS INTO MENIAL LABOUR
The Edo State Civil Society Coalition For Human Rights is outraged by the disgraceful and demeaning practice of compelling teachers in Edo public schools to clear bushes, cut grass, and perform menial labour at the directive of the Ministry of Education.
This is not only an insult to the teaching profession but also a blatant violation of human rights and labour ethics. Teachers are the backbone of society—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.
We state it clearly: teachers are not slaves, and schools are not forced labour camps. This backward practice belongs to the dark past and must never be tolerated in a state that claims to value education.
We demand immediate action:
1. Stop this abuse NOW. Teachers must never again be forced into degrading labour.
2. Hire proper support staff. Gardeners, cleaners, and janitors must be employed and adequately paid to handle school maintenance.
3. Respect teachers’ dignity. Let teachers teach—nothing more, nothing less.
4. Be accountable. Funds allocated for school maintenance must be used transparently and not shifted as a burden onto teachers.“Any nation that treats its teachers with contempt is preparing its own burial ground.” – Edo Civil Society Coalition
“Forcing teachers into menial labour is not education reform—it is educational slavery.” – Edo Civil Society Coalition
It is worth stressing that this practice violates Section 34(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees that “no person shall be required to perform forced or compulsory labour.” By compelling teachers to engage in work outside their professional mandate under duress, the Edo State Ministry of Education stands in direct breach of this constitutional safeguard.
Adding weight to our demand, consider this from the Governor himself:
“We will place teachers on top priority… and we’ll reverse the shortage of teachers through continuous recruitment of qualified teachers.” – Governor Monday Okpebholo
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.
Let it be known: if the Edo State Ministry of Education fails to end this practice immediately, the Edo State Civil Society Coalition of Human Rights will mobilize peaceful protests, public campaigns, and legal actions to defend our teachers.
An injury to one teacher is an injury to all. Edo State must respect its teachers—or face the resistance of its people.
Signed:
Marxist Kola Edokpayi
Coordinator General
Edo State Civil Society Coalition on Human RightsComrade Hon. Aghatise Raphael
Secretary General
Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Right
