The Edo State Secondary Education Board (SSEB) has issued a directive instructing teachers in senior secondary schools across the state to cut grasses and clean school premises ahead of the new academic session.
The circular, dated August 27 and signed by Obarisiagbon M. I. on behalf of the board’s Executive Chairman, Dr. Maureen Ekhorangbon, ordered principals to mobilise teachers for the exercise on September 1, while students are expected to join a week later on September 8.
“All Executive Principals are directed to take off the grasses and clean up their schools ahead of resumption. This exercise is to keep our environment clean, hygienic, safe, and to inculcate discipline and voluntary service into our students,” the circular read in part.
Principals were further instructed to personally supervise the clean-up and submit photographic evidence of compliance to the board’s “integrity WhatsApp page” by September 5.
“This exercise is mandatory and forms part of our collective responsibility in sustaining the Governor’s education reform agenda,” it added.
The directive appears to contradict the Ministry of Education’s earlier statement dismissing reports that teachers were being compelled to carry out menial jobs, insisting instead that such activities were voluntary corporate social responsibility.
The emergence of the circular also reinforces concerns raised by civil society groups that teachers were being forced to engage in maintenance work outside their professional duties.
Schools in Edo State are scheduled to resume for the 2025/2026 academic session on Monday.
NAN
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