The Ogun State Government has issued a stern warning to teachers in public schools against administering corporal punishment to students.
News About Nigeria reports that this announcement follows the tragic death of a Senior Secondary School 2 student at Obada Grammar School in Imeko Afon Local Government Area, who reportedly died after being punished by a teacher.
Professor Abayomi Arigbagbu, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, led a delegation to the student’s family to express condolences and discuss the incident.
He stated that the government has established a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
“When anything occurs, it’s essential for us to learn from the situation, not only regarding Obada Grammar School,” he said.
Arigbagbu said it is important to adhere to international standards regarding discipline in schools.
He noted, “We usually hold stakeholders’ meetings at the start of every session, where I reiterate the need to say no to corporal punishment. This is not just about Ogun State; there are global regulations against it.”
He assured parents that the government is committed to monitoring teachers’ conduct and will impose sanctions on those found guilty of using corporal punishment.
“Teachers should follow the rules of the game. We want to support them in their work, but it must be done according to established guidelines,” he added.
The Commissioner urged educators to adopt alternative disciplinary methods, stating, “As trained teachers, there are many ways to instill discipline without resorting to corporal punishment, which can lead to chaos.”
He noted that the incident that led to the student’s death was a direct consequence of the indiscriminate use of corporal punishment.
Arigbagbu reassured parents that their children would receive quality education in a safe environment.
He confirmed that the teacher and principal involved in the incident have been suspended and that the government is taking measures to support the grieving family.
In response to the situation, Mr. Abdullateef Oduntan, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed that they do not seek legal action against the state government but hope for measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Mrs. Ronke Soyombo, Special Adviser on Education to the Ogun State Governor, stated that the government will continue to support the family throughout their mourning and ensure that such incidents are not repeated.
A post-mortem examination is currently being conducted by the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) to determine the exact cause of the student’s death.
