A leaked circular has directed Edo secondary school teachers to cut grass and clean school premises despite government denial of such an order.
A leaked circular has contradicted the Edo State Government’s denial of forcing teachers to clear school premises. The document, dated August 27, 2025, and signed by Obarisiagbon M.I. for the Executive Chairman of the State Secondary Education Board, directed principals to ensure teachers cut grass and clean schools ahead of resumption.
“All Executive Principals are directed to take off the grasses and clean up their schools ahead of resumption,” the circular stated, mandating photographic evidence of the exercise for monitoring purposes.
Earlier, Commissioner for Education Dr. Paddy Iyamu dismissed such allegations as “unfounded,” insisting any cleaning by teachers was voluntary.
Civil society groups, including EDOCSO, condemned the directive, describing it as demeaning and demanding its withdrawal. The NUT also instructed teachers to ignore the order, stressing that their role is to teach, not perform manual labour.
The board has since apologized, claiming the directive was misinterpreted.