The Education Ministry has come under public criticism after an internal email instructed staff to stand and greet Minister Ismail Shafiu and other senior officials with a smile whenever they are seen within ministry premises.
The directive, which was circulated to ministry staff via email, quickly made its way to social media, prompting widespread mockery and concern over what many described as a tone-deaf throwback to authoritarian office culture.
The email reminded employees of the “expected etiquette” when encountering the minister or any ministerial-level figure, stating that staff must “stand and greet with a smile” as a sign of respect. However, the directive has been met with considerable backlash, particularly on X, formerly known as Twitter.
User @HussainKhalid75 remarked, “When staff enter, the minister should get up too. After all, the uselessly large salaries and allowances are paid from the taxes paid by the staff members. Ministers and political staff salaries are a burden on poor taxpayers. They should learn respect too.”
Another user, @Muavviyath, criticised the instruction as “a colonial hangover where power is measured by how many people rise when you enter the room.” He also labelled it “ableist” and “outdated,” arguing that respect should not rely on physical gestures.
@Jeeehan questioned the consequences of non-compliance, asking, “If someone doesn’t stand up when the minister comes in, what are they gonna do?”
Others, like @MohamedSharif, raised concerns over productivity and motive. “Wouldn’t it be more productive to keep working? What happened for them to demand respect?” he posted.
@FasyIbrahim highlighted the tone and necessity of the email itself. “The fact they had to email all staff reminding them to show proper etiquette and respect for the Minister (their boss) is very telling. Makes one wonder what went down in that office to need such a memo.”
Neither the Ministry of Education nor Minister Ismail Shafiu has made an official statement addressing the public reaction or clarifying the intent behind the internal directive.