A group, Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights has recanted on its allegations that Governor Monday Okpebholo forced teachers in public schools to cut grass and do other menial jobs ahead of the resumption of the 2025/2026 academic session.
The group said its investigation showed that no teacher was compelled to do any job outside his or her professional duties.
In a statement, the coordinator-general of the coalition, Maxist Kola Edokpayi and its secretary-general, Comrade Aghatise Raphael, said the decision to clear the school premises was voluntary and not by force.
Edokpayi said the involvement of the coalition was to ensure that Edo teachers were not used to do menial jobs.
He commended the executive chairman of Edo State Secondary Education Board, Maureen Ekhorangbon, for her initiative to clean up schools before the students’ resumption.
“As watchdogs of the society, we remain committed to truth, fairness and the protection of human rights.
Edo State must continue to uphold the dignity of teachers and ensure policies that strengthen and not diminish their professional calling.
“We must also commend the Ministry of Education for its continued efforts in improving the education sector, particularly through the recruitment of teachers and ensuring that parents are not extorted in the name of graduation ceremonies and buying of new textbooks,” he said.
