A civil rights group has criticised Edo State Ministry of Education over reports that teachers were made to cut grass and do menial work.
A human rights coalition has accused the Edo State Ministry of Education of compelling public school teachers to clear grass and perform menial labour.
In a statement issued in Benin on Monday, the Edo State Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights described the practice as “a blatant violation of human rights and labour ethics.”
Coordinators Marxist Kola Edokpayi and Aghatise Raphael warned that protests and legal action would follow if the directive is not withdrawn. “Teachers are not slaves, and schools are not forced labour camps,” the group stated, adding that funds for maintenance should be used transparently.
Responding, Commissioner for Education Dr. Paddy Iyamu said the tasks were voluntary under teachers’ Corporate Social Responsibility and not a directive. He added that the government had ordered a full investigation.
Iyamu reiterated that teachers should focus on learning and assured that any abuse would be corrected.