By Emmanuel Sixtus
Ikorodu, Lagos
The fight to end all forms of child abuse or torture remains a distant dream in Nigeria, with culture playing a significanrole in hampering the effort. “Spare the rod and spoil the child,” a religious doctrine that stands in the way.
A teacher at Christ-Mitots International School in Ikorodu, Lagos, was arrested on Wednesday after a video showing her physically assaulting a pupil during a lesson went viral on social media. The incident, which has drawn widespread outrage, has reignited conversations around corporal punishment in Nigerian schools and the need for stricter oversight of teacher conduct.
The disturbing video, shared on multiple platforms, captured the teacher slapping the young pupil repeatedly before dragging them out of the classroom. The pupil’s cries for help were met with indifference from other staff members present, sparking outrage among viewers.
There have been arguments in the society if pupils should be corrected by beating; while some parents welcome the act, others kick against it.
There is, however, a perception in the society that a pupil or student not flogged or corrected by beating is likely to be spoilt. This perception stands in the way of the law, with law enforcement agencies barely called into action when such a case arises.
The recent case had drawn public reactions, which forced the police to wade in and make arrests, not really because they care, but to save the image of the country.
Some schools in the country support the use of canes while others are against it. The discrepancies are a result of zero federal legislation, with states applying different laws.
Christ-Mitots International School initially released a statement attempting to downplay the incident, claiming the teacher acted out of frustration after the child disobeyed instructions.
However, as public outcry grew, the school administration issued an apology, suspended the teacher, and promised a thorough internal investigation.
“The behaviour displayed by the teacher in the video is deeply regrettable and does not reflect the values of our institution,” the school’s spokesperson stated.
The subsequent action of the school is an afterthought, which is aimed to protect the school, as its initial reaction shows they back their teachers physical punishment of pupils.
The action taken against the teacher is possibly to make her the scapegoat and absorb the school management of blame and responsibility.
Following calls for accountability, the Lagos State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the teacher. Speaking to journalists, Police Public Relations Officer SP Benjamin Hundeyin assured the public that the matter would be thoroughly investigated.
“This kind of behaviour is not only unethical but also illegal,” Hundeyin said. “We encourage parents and guardians to report similar cases to the authorities.”
The teacher is currently being held at the Ikorodu Divisional Police Station pending further investigation. If found guilty, she could face charges under Lagos State’s Child Rights Law, which criminalises physical abuse of minors.
Lagos State law is against physical punishment or flogging of pupils and students, but the law has not been remarkably enforced in the state. Most schools continue to punish and flog students.
The incident has sparked debates on social media and beyond, with parents, child rights advocates, and education stakeholders condemning the use of corporal punishment in schools.
“Children deserve to learn in an environment free from fear and intimidation,” said Titilayo Ajayi, a child rights activist. “This video is a reminder that we need stronger enforcement of laws protecting children from abuse, especially in schools.”
Parents of students at Christ-Mitots International School have also expressed concerns, calling for stricter monitoring of teaching staff. “We trust schools to provide a safe space for our children. This incident has broken that trust,” one parent lamented.
The Lagos State Ministry of Education reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on corporal punishment in schools. In a statement released late Wednesday, the ministry said it would dispatch inspectors to Christ-Mitots International School to evaluate its compliance with child protection protocols.
“Schools have a responsibility to uphold the dignity of every child,” the statement read. “We are committed to ensuring that such incidents are not repeated.”
The incident is not one-off, and the state has no means of regularly enforcing the policy against corporal punishment. The police or state swing into action only when there is a case of public interest.
