The Ogun State Ministry of Education has taken swift action by suspending a secondary school teacher following the tragic death of a student, identified as Monday Arijo, allegedly due to severe punishment administered by the educator.
In a statement released on Sunday, the state government confirmed that the incident occurred at Obada Grammar School in Obada, Idi-emi, on Friday.
The statement read, “The Ogun State government, through the theMinistry of Education, Science and Technology, has suspended a teacher alleged to have beaten and punished one Master Monday Arijo, an SS2 student of Obada Grammar School, which reportedly led to his demise.”
The ministry also disclosed that the school’s principal, Mrs. Tamrat Onaolapo, has been queried regarding her role in the incident. The statement emphasized, “The principal was given 24 hours to explain her actions and why disciplinary actions should not be taken against her for acting against the instructions of constituted authority.” The government’s response highlights the serious nature of corporal punishment, which is prohibited by established rules and regulations in the state.
In a poignant condolence letter to Arijo’s family, the government expressed its commitment to ensuring justice is served. The letter, signed by the ministry’s permanent secretary, described the late Master Arijo as an exceptional pupil whose absence will be deeply felt by his classmates, the school, and the state.
Activist Adetoun shared a harrowing account of the incident through a video on her Instagram on Friday.
She alleged that the student received an astonishing 162 strokes of the cane after he jokingly remarked that the dustbin the teacher brought to class was purchased with students’ money. Following the incident, it was reported that the principal had ordered the punishment.
Furthermore, Ms. Adetoun claimed that the teacher and staff present failed to seek immediate medical attention for Arijo, stating that he had died by the time they decided to take him to the hospital.
